Gully a major step forward for region

Business Central

Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce

Media Statement

8 September 2014

Gully a major step forward for region

The start to the construction of Transmission Gully is a major step towards Wellington and the region getting a transport system fit for the 21st century, Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce President John Milford said today.

“Today’s sod-turning ceremony is a milestone that has been awaited by motorists and businesses throughout the region for decades, and will be applauded very loudly.

“Transmission Gully is probably the most vital piece in the Levin-to-Airport highway jigsaw, and when it’s completed will provide a big boost to the region’s economy.

“Having a safe, efficient and earthquake-resilient route in and out of the city will contribute to significant time savings and a reduction in accidents, and the Government is to be congratulated for advancing it.

“I’m convinced that using a public-private partnership to finance, build, operate and maintain it for the construction phase and a 25-year operating period after that is the best way to go to ensure taxpayers get the best value for their money.

“What concerns me are opposition parties’ plans to delay further work on it if they are elected on December 20.

“We have waited long enough. Business throughout the Wellington region would be horrified at the prospect of more changes and more delays. Transmission Gully will deliver better connectivity and a platform to grow our regional economy.

“Rather than re-litigate this piece of road I suggest all efforts should be on how we solve the issues at the Basin Reserve bottleneck.

“Only when we solve that, and build a second Mt Victoria tunnel, will we have a highway that delivers in all senses of the word.

“With Transmission Gully underway, now we need to solve that problem.”

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