NZ Transport Agency – Southern region

9 December 2011

Release of detailed plans for SH1 Western Corridor rescheduled

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is rescheduling the release of detailed plans for the SH1 Western Corridor past Christchurch Airport.

NZTA Southern Regional Director Jim Harland says the agency is working closely with the Christchurch City Council and the local community to develop its plans.

“Getting these transport improvements right is crucial to the region’s economic growth and the contribution to the rebuild of the City. This makes it imperative that we fully consider the views of key stakeholders and the community while assessing options, so we can deliver the best outcomes from this project for the local community, the city and the wider Canterbury region.”

Mr Harland said the NZTA was aware of the high level of community interest in the project.

“Understandably people want to see the details. We had hoped to be in a position to provide more information this month, but after careful consideration we’ve decided to reschedule this for the first quarter of next year, when we will have a more complete picture about the project to present. While we understand that some will be disappointed, by taking a bit more time we will be able to provide more certainty and better information about these improvements.”

Editor’s notes
The Government has identified seven essential state highway projects linked to New Zealand’s economic prosperity. Called the roads of national significance, or RoNS for short, the NZTA is charged with delivering this programme of state highway improvements within the next 10 years. The RoNS programme represents one of New Zealand’s biggest ever infrastructure investments and is a key part of the Government’s National Infrastructure Plan and Government’s Policy Statement for transport.

The seven RoNS projects are based around New Zealand's five largest population centres. The focus is on moving people and freight between and within these centres more safely and efficiently. Other RoNS may be added in future but currently from north to south the seven projects are: Puhoi to Wellsford - SH1, Completing the Western Ring Route, Auckland - SH16, SH18 and SH20, Victoria Park Tunnel, Auckland - SH1, Waikato Expressway - SH1, Tauranga Eastern Link - SH2, Wellington Northern Corridor - SH1, Christchurch Motorways. More information is available at www.nzta.govt.nz/rons