14 November 2019
Media release
Next stage underway for mass rapid transit and state highway projects
Contracts for the next stage of engineering, design, and planning work on the two largest projects in Let’s Get
Wellington Moving (LGWM) have gone out for tender.
LGWM Programme Director Andrew Body says this is a big step forward for the $6.4 billion programme as it develops a
multi-modal transport system that will move more people with fewer vehicles.
“At its heart, Let’s Get Wellington Moving seeks to deliver a multi-modal transport system that moves more people with
fewer vehicles. Mass rapid transit will transform Wellington’s public transport network and help shape a more compact
and sustainable city and region,” says Mr Body.
The business case for mass rapid transit will inform decisions about the type of mass rapid transit (mode) and the
preferred route. The business case for the state highway improvements project will identify preferred options for the
Basin Reserve and an extra Mt Victoria tunnel.
“We need specialists with a strong understanding of what it takes to get things done in Wellington, combined with
international expertise in planning, design and implementation of mass rapid transit.
“We’re looking for innovation in planning and design, including opportunities to enhance spaces for the community. We’ll
also ensure the special character of the Basin Reserve is preserved.
“The estimated combined investment in mass rapid transit and state highway improvements will be $3 billion. This will be
a once-in-a-generation investment in Wellington’s transport network. With an investment of this scale we must ensure we
get it right.
“We need to determine the most appropriate route and type of mass rapid transit, and how it integrates with the wider
transport system, particularly the bus network, and other projects in the programme including the state highways
package.
“The state highways package will investigate which improvements at the Basin Reserve will provide the best outcomes for
the transport network and the community. It will also investigate the extra Mt Victoria tunnel, and how the wider
transport system will operate with these improvements.
“Our plan is large, complex, and ambitious. With projects as big as these, we need to investigate and plan carefully at
the start. We’ll be working closely with our partners, stakeholders, and the community as we design each project,” says
Mr Body.
The tenders close on 23 December and will be awarded in the new year. The initial business case work is expected to be
completed by early 2021.
LGWM is a partnership between Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and the NZ Transport Agency.
LGWM’s vision is to build a great harbour city, accessible to all, with attractive places, shared streets, and efficient
local and regional journeys. To realise this vision, the programme is focused on moving more people with fewer vehicles.
ENDS