Wellington Storms highlight urgent need for Investment in Transport Infrastructure

Yesterday’s train derailment and other slips in the Wellington area are a timely reminder of the need for the region to invest further in its transport infrastructure, including Transmission Gully, according to the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The slips have once again shown how vulnerable Wellington’s access routes are to wild weather, said Chamber President Jo Bransgrove.

As well as inconvenience for its residents the train derailment and other transport delays have caused major disruptions to Wellington’s economic activity.

The costs to the region are likely to run into the millions of dollars from this storm alone. Wellington needs to invest more in transport infrastructure to increase its resilience to the elements.

This is not just a Wellington commuter issue. Wellington’s location makes it an issue of national significance. It is essential that the capital city be well connected to the rest of the country and that the major link between North and South Islands be protected.

The current transport links are not sufficiently reliable. Road and rail blockages are happening with increasing frequency. With limited access routes into and out of Wellington we need to act now.

Better alignment and alternative routes, including Transmission Gully, are needed.

Climate change experts tell us that storms are going to increase and that sea level will rise. We should be planning essential infrastructure investment against this backdrop. Earthquakes are of course another big risk in this area.

Now is the time to act, Ms Bransgrove concluded.

ENDS

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