Media Release: 15 December 2009

AA thrilled with announcements for SH1 north of Wellington

Chairman of the Automobile Association’s Wellington District Council John Christianson says today is a great day for the region with the announcement that Transmission Gully and other upgrades will go ahead to improve SH1 between Wellington Airport and Levin.

“Today’s announcements show great vision for Wellington. It went well beyond what we were expecting because it’s dealt with the whole route from Wellington Airport to Levin. It’s a Christmas package that will keep a lot of people smiling for a long time.”

Everything the AA has wanted for Wellington has been provided for, he says. The AA is particularly thrilled with the doubling of The Terrace and Mount Victoria tunnels.

“The New Zealand Transport Agency has made decisions for all the right reasons – improved safety, efficiency, cost effectiveness, and they’ve proposed a package that minimises disruption for property owners and road users.

“We were also pleased to hear that essential safety upgrades on the existing state highway will continue over the next 10 years at the same time as construction of the new sections.”

Along with the majority of the Wellington public, the AA has long supported Transmission Gully.

“In terms of value-for-money, Transmission Gully is now clearly the best choice. It will improve the lives of thousands of commuters and freight operators whose journey will be safer and quicker.

“Critically it will also future-proof our region in the event of an earthquake, flooding or some other disaster by providing an alternative route north.”

ENDS

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