Transit decision short-sighted - ACT

Heather Roy
Wednesday, 10 August 2005
Press Releases - Transport

Transit's decision to axe Transmission Gully is short-sighted but entirely predictable, says ACT Wellington-based MP Heather Roy.

"The Labour Government with its recent transport package for Wellington made it very clear that it did not want Transmission Gully to proceed," Mrs Roy said.

"ACT has campaigned to have all options properly explored. The geo-technical and engineering assessment, necessary to find out whether Transmission Gully is a viable option, has never been done".

Mrs Roy said Transit's decision meant Wellington would remain without a second main route in the event of bad weather or a natural disaster.

"In the past 18 months alone, Wellington has been cut off four times by the vagaries of the weather, and it is completely ridiculous that there is only one road leading in and out of one of the country's major centres - the capital city, no less.

"Transit, with the Government's approval, is effectively telling Wellingtonians that to have State Highway One cut off at regular intervals is perfectly acceptable.

"Wellington also has an infrastructure deficit which in no way will be resolved by upgrading Centennial Highway.

"This decision is an absolute disaster for Wellington," Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

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