25 February 2011

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says she wants Stewart Duff Drive – which runs through Wellington Airport – to remain open to ‘through’ traffic.

Wellington International Airport Ltd has signalled that it intends to stop local traffic using the road following increasing concerns about traffic congestion around the airport terminal.

Wellington Airport says thousands of drivers use the road as a short-cut from the south coast to the Miramar area.

“While I appreciate the Airport’s concerns, I think that cutting off Stewart Duff Drive will create traffic problems in the eastern suburbs,” says Mayor Wade-Brown.

“I have had a great deal of feedback from people in the eastern and southern suburbs in the past week or so – they are very unhappy at the plan to close the route. The congestion issues are as much about dropping off and picking up as they are about using it for through traffic.

Transport Portfolio leader, Councillor Andy Foster remarked “I am keen to see Stewart Duff Drive remain open and accessible. I look forward to discussing all options with airport management to ease traffic problems in the area.”

Wellington International Airport Ltd said earlier this week that Stewart Duff Drive will stay open to through traffic until the roadworks at the Troy Street-Cobham Drive roundabout are finished.

ENDS

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