Media Release

7 November 2013

Wellington Traffic congestion report supports flyover

Evidence of increasing traffic congestion in Wellington adds weight to the argument for progressing the flyover at the Basin Reserve, and doing that as soon as possible, says Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce.

CEO Raewyn Bleakley says the latest traffic index by satellite navigation company TomTom found that the difference between peak-flow and free-flow travel times is now 28%, up 3% in just a year, and shows how vital it is that the proposed improvements are advanced.

“That’s a big jump in just one year, and shows very clearly that traffic rates are increasing.

“If they continue at that rate, and we fail to make adequate and lasting adjustments to the roading system, we are going to get to a stage where we have gridlock, and we cannot allow that to happen.

“Wellington’s economy relies on a top roading system, and the proposed changes will give us that.

“A flyover that links in with the second Mt Victoria tunnel and other changes on the airport to Levin road will make a massive difference.

“NZ Transport Agency figures further show the huge benefits the flyover will deliver. Having 16,000 fewer vehicles per day using Paterson St to the tunnel, 15,000 fewer using Rugby St, and 14,000 using Sussex St are massive improvements.

“An enhanced public transport system will complement the proposed roading changes, and we support that, but we agree with the Automobile Association that getting more out of our existing network is where the focus should be.”

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