21 February 2014| NZ Transport Agency MEDIA RELEASE

Keeping the Hutt connected – Public info day tomorrow

The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging the public to attend public information days to share proposals for a new link road between Petone and Grenada to better connect the Hutt Valley with Porirua and Tawa.

The first information day, being held tomorrow in Petone, will also provide information on proposals for a new dedicated cycle and pedestrian link between the Hutt Valley and Wellington.

Transport Agency Wellington highways manager Rod James says the information days, being heldtomorrow and Wednesday, will give people a chance to learn more about the projects, and talk directly with our team.

"The Petone to Grenada link, if built, would provide a direct connection between the Hutt Valley and Porirua and Tawa, providing for shorter, safer journeys, and transforming how people and freight travel between these centres.

"While this proposed link would provide major transport benefits for the region, the options being considered would also have some major effects on people and properties along the proposed routes.

“We want to ensure the public understands both the pros and cons of these proposals. This is a valuable opportunity for the community to influence how we develop these proposals to help us make sure we get it right.”

Mr James says the Open Day will also give the public to look at options for a new dedicated cycleway and walkway between Hutt Valley and Wellington.

“Together these projects have the potential to really change how people get around, by providing safer, more flexible, and far more user friendly options for travelling to and from the Hutt Valley.”

“We want to promote transport choice by making walking and cycling safer and more attractive between Wellington and the Hutt Valley, and we’re keen to share our early proposals with the public.”

"These information days will give people the chance to talk directly with project teams about the proposals, how they might benefit you, how they might affect you, and how you can have your say."

"We'll have information boards, animated video and maps to illustrate the options, and an area for kids to play."

The Public Information days will be held at:

Saturday, 22 February 2014 – 10am – 3pm
Opus Research and Training Facility
33 The Esplanade, Petone

Wednesday, 26 February 2014 – 3pm – 8pm
Linden Social Centre, 10 Linden Avenue, Tawa

Mr James says that if people can't make it then they can always contact the project teams directly:
Petone to Grenada:
Email petone2grenada@nzta.govt.nz or call us on Freephone 0508 P2G INFO (0508 724 4636)
Wellington to Hutt Valley Walking and Cycling Link:
Email w2hvlink@nzta.govt.nz or call us on Freephone 0508 W2HV LINK (0508 9248 5465)

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