Wellington Airport traffic improvement

Thursday, 17 February 2011, 9:33 am
Press Release: Wellington Airport Limited

16 February 2011 Embargo 17 February 2011

Wellington Airport traffic improvement

Wellington Airport has announced plans to address the traffic congestion which is affecting access to the terminal during peak times.

"We are beginning to experience traffic problems around the pick-up and drop-off areas and these are likely to intensify as passenger numbers increase" said John Howarth, the airport's Chief Operating Officer.

Wellington Airport's Master Plan anticipates more than twice the current level of passenger traffic by 2030. The plan identifies areas that are currently close to or over design capacity - one of which is the passenger drop off area.

A significant contributor to the problem is the level of traffic generated by non-airport users. Prior to the creation of the current through road in 1998, the airport was a closed precinct with limited access through the site for private vehicles. Through traffic has since grown significantly, with a recent traffic survey showing 25% to 30% of vehicles currently using the airport roads at peak times do not even stop at the airport.

"Our primary concern is getting passengers to and from the terminal for the purpose of boarding aircraft and getting home again. With this in mind, we are working on a comprehensive redesign of the airport's internal roads to increase capacity, improve efficiency and offer more options to passengers" said Mr Howarth. . Design works on the improved drop off, pick up and internal road layout will commence shortly, with physical works to begin mid-2011. Signs will be erected on the 21st of February at each end of Stewart Duff Drive. The signs will make motorists aware that traffic is restricted to passengers, passenger drop offs, visitors and other airport traffic between 7am and 7pm. It is hoped that this will have the effect of reducing non-airport traffic to minimise the current level of congestion.

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Wellington Airport

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Wellington Airport provides a world class airport for visitors, the Wellington region and New Zealand. It's international terminal, The Rock, is ranked 4th best in the World. Being very close to the CBD saves 5.4 million travellers plenty of time and makes Wellington a more attractive place to visit. The Airport won the Wellington Gold Awards for Safety and is a major supporter of local events, attractions and community groups.

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