23 July 2007

Significant step in Western Link Road progress

Confirmation of the approval for release of specific funding for the Western Link Road by Land Transport New Zealand has been welcomed by Kapiti Coast District Mayor Alan Milne.

“This is the first of the flow of funds for the Western Link Road at the 90 per cent subsidy rate and that makes it pretty significant,” he said.

Cconfirmation of the release of $2.4 million for the Final Design for Stage 1 (Raumati Road to Te Moana Road) of the project as well as sufficient funds for Advanced Land Purchase for Stage 1 was received from Land Transport New Zealand last week.

“Stage 1 is the vital one from the point of view of the community,” Alan Milne said, ”because it includes the bridge over the Waikanae River; without the designs and approvals for the whole stage the bridge would be a bridge to nowhere,” he said.

The design work will be carried out by Opus International Consultants, who are currently completing the final stages of project Investigation work to secure resource consents. The Final Design work also includes preparation of tender documents for construction.

“At the same time LTNZ also approved the release of funding for Advanced Land Purchase for Stage 1,” Mr Milne said.

“This means the Council can now claim back 90 per cent of the costs it has incurred on property purchased for the project to date. LTNZ also confirmed that future purchases will be funded at 90% of cost at the time of purchase as well.

“While we had approval in principle for 90 per cent funding, this confirmation of the formal release of funding is welcome news, and ensures that the project continues to move forward.”

Last week also saw the last of the current series of Community Meetings on the project.

The Council’s Infrastructure Development Manager, Peter Knight, presented details about the section of the road between Otaihanga Road and Te Moana Road to a gathering of about 135 people at the Waikanae Golf Club.

“The information presented was well received by the meeting,” Mr Knight said, “particularly the detail about the design issues associated with the bridge over the Waikanae River.”

Mr Knight advised the meeting that the project was on track to start construction in late 2008, with completion expected in 2011. Further community meetings will be held later in the year as the final design takes shape.

ENDS

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