Movement Needed on 'Let's Get Wellington Moving'

The announcement of additional transport investment into Wellington has been welcomed by Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO John Milford, however, more certainty is needed on the progress of critical projects.

"The National Land Transport Programme published on Friday green lights significant improvements to the region's public transport and walking and cycling networks," Mr Milford says.

"These upgrades will help users get around more reliably and will make for a safer journey.

"Unfortunately, the programme gives no update on the key projects supporting the 'Let's Get Welly Moving' strategy, or a specific funding commitment.

"Critical new state highway projects such as Otaki to Levin, Petone to Grenada, and the Melling interchange upgrade are all listed as being 'under review', with no indication as to the timeline or funding provision for completing these projects.

"Improvements to the roading network within Wellington city, and on the city's key northern links along SH1 and SH2, are fundamental to unlocking further productivity improvements and helping people get around more easily.

"The Labour-led Government has repeatedly reassured Wellingtonians that large scale transport infrastructure upgrades in Auckland would not come at the expense of the rest of the country. I look forward to ministers guaranteeing that the lower North Island will not miss out on its share of vital state highway upgrades.

"Transmission Gully has been under construction for four years and is due to be completed in 2020. We need to make the most of this massive investment by following through on the complementary projects that were planned to improve access along the whole corridor from the airport to Levin."

ENDS

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