31 January 2005

Wellington Regional Office

MEDIA RELEASE

Transit to consult on draft Wellington state highway plan

Transit New Zealand today released its Wellington region draft 2005/06 – 2014/15 10-year State Highway Plan for consultation.

Transit is inviting submissions on the draft plan from all interested parties and the general public. Submissions will close on 16 March 2005 and the final plan will be issued at the same time as the Land Transport New Zealand funding allocations for 2005/06 are announced at the end of June.

Transit’s Wellington regional manager Graham Taylor said that Transit has assigned priorities to projects and activities in line with the requirements of the Land Transport Management Act 2003 to ensure a safe, integrated, responsive and sustainable state highway network.

“We have tried to ensure that where possible state highway activities are integrated with local roads, public transport and existing or planned cycling and walking facilities.”

“In Wellington with the state highway share of the additional funds announced on 27 January we will be able to make faster progress with our planned projects such as the Dowse to Petone Interchange and possibly look at bringing some projects in from outside the 10-year timeframe.

“We expect that the actual level of funding for state highways from the additional funds will be a feature of a number of submissions,” he said.

There are already a number of significant projects under construction in the Wellington region. These include the Lindale intersection improvements, MacKays Crossing, Plimmerton to Paremata Upgrade and the Wellington Inner City Bypass, all on State Highway 1 and the Kaitoke Realignment on State Highway 2.

In addition to the major state highway projects planned over the 10-year period the draft plan also sets out a three-year plan for small and medium-sized projects – those costing less than $3 million. Examples of these include street lighting improvements, roundabouts in Carterton and Otaki, and a new weigh station for trucks at Waikanae. The draft plan also spells out Transit’s priorities for maintenance and operations such as flood mitigation works at Paekakariki and improving co-ordination of signals at intersections through Wellington City. Submissions are also invited on these.

A major focus will be on travel demand management and how it can be incorporated into the total Wellington transport scene.

Road safety continues to be a priority with plans to continue to improve “out of context” sections of state highway, remove or put a barrier around roadside hazards and improve walking and cycling facilities. The most significant safety work planned in Wellington is the investigation of the possible extension of the Centennial Highway median barrier.

“The final shape of the State Highway Plan for Wellington for 05/06 and beyond now depends upon the response to this draft plan. We look forward to receiving submissions,” said Mr Taylor.

Background information

This is the first year under the Land Transport Management Act 2003 in which Transit must consult more widely than in the past on its state highway plan. Transit has always consulted with local authorities, other government transport agencies and other key organisations such as Police, New Zealand Automobile Association, the RTF (Road Transport Forum), the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and DoC, but this year it is aiming to attract feedback from affected communities, Maori and the general public. Under the Act Transit must also now consult with ACC and the Ministry of Health.

Written submissions will be accepted up to 16 March 2005 and submitters, if they wish, have the opportunity to present their information to a hearing panel during March and April. Submission forms are in each brochure and are available at the sites below.

Copies of the full plan covering the whole of New Zealand will be available to view at libraries and local council offices, and a comprehensive information sheet with a submission form on the Wellington region plan is also available at the same outlets to take away. The regional material and the national plan is also available on Transit’s website: www.transit.govt.nz

ENDS

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