RANSIT NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL OFFICE

25 October 2007

Survey being prepared seeks views on SH1 Paremata to Plimmerton Upgrade

Transit New Zealand and Porirua City Council have commissioned the preparation of an independent survey to fully explore the views of residents, motorists and
other interested parties about the SH1 Paremata to Plimmerton Upgrade project, which established the Mana Esplanade T2 lanes.

Transit Central Operations Manager Mark Owen says, the survey is a key part of the joint Transit NZ/Porirua City Council review into the operation, environment, safety and efficiency of the Paremata to Plimmerton Upgrade.

“Released towards the end of the month, the survey will seek the input of residents directly adjacent to the T2 lanes, motorists and resident associations, as well as other groups like the AA, to ensure that any recommendations made from the review cover the direct concerns and issues people may have,” he says.

“The aim of this review is to balance the needs and concerns of the residents who live alongside the T2 lanes with the requirements of motorists travelling through the area,” Porirua City Council Chief Executive Dr Roger Blakeley says.

“This is why the information we will be provided from the survey is so crucial and why we are urging anyone interested in this issue to make the effort to complete the questionnaire when it is released.”

Dr Blakeley says Porirua City Council and Transit are working jointly on the review to ensure that the views and concerns of the local community, motorists and motoring groups are well canvassed.

The 14 week review covers the area from immediately south of Paremata roundabout to immediately north of Plimmerton roundabout, including SH58 modifications. As part of the review the survey will ask a wide range of questions to get feedback that will allow Transit and Porirua City Council to make some high level decisions on the future operation of the T2 lanes. A public open day is also planned to allow members of the public to come and discuss the review.

An independent team from Hyder Consulting and Boffa Miskell are conducting the $70,000 review, on behalf of Transit and Porirua City Council which are equally sharing the costs. They intend to complete the review before Christmas. From there, high level recommendations will be made which Transit and Porirua City Council will use to aid their decision making process on what changes, if any, are required within the project area.

ENDS

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