Media Release
27 August 2009

Action Required on Wellington Roading Projects

The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Transport Minister Joyce’s announcement of increased investment in roads and public transport and urged decisions be made on specific projects this year.

“Today’s announcement is indeed going to enhance our economic growth prospects, help us raise productivity and help develop public transport, better cycling and safer pedestrian transport options,” said Chamber CEO Charles Finny.

“It is essential for our regional economy that transport in and around Wellington is as good as it can be and today’s announcement demonstrates the government’s commitment to correcting the regional infrastructure deficit that we currently have in road, rail public transport, cycling and walking.

“We were pleased with the proposal to build a four-lane expressway on the Kapiti Coast, as announced last week, but there are a number of other transport projects that Wellington needs decisions on quickly.

“We were also pleased to note that Mr Joyce intends to make further announcements about the Wellington Airport to Levin Road of National Significance before the end of this year.

“Transmission Gully has been clearly established as the best option for that section of the Road and we urge progress to be made on this key project.

“Action is also required on grade separation at the Basin Reserve, the construction of second tunnels at Mt Victoria and the Terrace and the widening of Ruahine Street and Wellington Road (between Mt Victoria Tunnel and the airport).

“We realise that these projects cannot be completed in the next three years but we hope that work can be well advanced on each of them within this timeframe,” Mr Finny concluded.

ENDS

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