$600m transport funding boost for Wellington

$660 million transport funding boost for Wellington will have major benefits

“The $660 million funding boost for Wellington’s western corridor will have major social and economic benefits,” says Stephen Selwood NZCID Chief Executive

“Wellington’s Centennial Highway is among the nation’s worst sections of SH1 with a notorious safety record.

“It’s pleasing to see Government has responded with such a significant funding package to either upgrade the existing corridor, or part fund the Transmission Gully alternative.

“No doubt tolls would need to be considered if Transmission Gully was selected as the preferred solution.

“The challenge is now clearly laid down to the Wellington community and its regional and local authorities to streamline the consenting process so that the work can proceed sooner rather than later. It may also be a test of the Government’s RMA amendments which are designed to streamline consents for projects of national significance.

“Certainly the payback to society from upgrading the route north out of Wellington will be immense in terms of lives saved, reduced emissions, reduced congestion and improved economic growth.

“No doubt Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Auckland regions among others will now be queuing up for additional Government transport funding in the light of the Wellington announcement and in view of the importance of their own transport needs,” Mr Selwood said.

© Scoop Media