Media release
Monday 18 April 2006

Comments sought as part of Ngauranga to Airport transport study

Transit New Zealand, Wellington City Council and the Greater Wellington Regional Council will release their initial consultation document this week as part of the Ngauranga to Airport strategic transportation study.

Comments from the public will be actively sought on the various factors that need to be considered along the study route, from the Ngauranga Gorge to the Airport. Some of these factors include: congestion, access to the airport, pedestrian access to the waterfront, land use and heritage issues, car parking and passenger transport.

Transit New Zealand regional manager Graham Taylor said that it was important to find the right balance between passenger transport, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists in the Wellington urban setting.

"This study is expected to identify the needs and solutions for the corridor and public submissions are an important part of the process to ensure the appropriate balance is found," he said.

This is only the first phase of consultation, with another three phases to follow, which will include gaining public feedback on a set of proposed options that will be developed by late 2006. The entire study is expected to be completed by mid 2007.

Terry McDavitt, Chairman, Regional Land Transport Committee said this study will form an important part of the Regional Land Transport Strategy along with other corridor plans.

"By looking at the Ngauranga to Airport corridor in conjunction with the Western, Hutt and Wairarapa studies, it will help to develop a long-term perspective towards improving Wellington's transport infrastructure," he said.

Wellington City Mayor Kerry Prendergast said that this corridor is the most congested part of the Wellington region's transport network for getting people into the city, to the port and across to the airport.

"To increase travel efficiency around the city, we need to consider the factors that are causing some of the problems, and with the help of the Wellington public, develop some long-term solutions to make travelling into, and out of, the city easier and less frustrating," she said.

A consultation leaflet can be downloaded from the Transit New Zealand website on www.transit.govt.nz or picked up from your local council libraries. Public submissions need to be received by 15 May 2006.

ENDS

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