Hon Steven Joyce
Minister of Transport
15 December 2009 Media Statement
Minister welcomes Kapiti Expressway decision
Transport Minister Steven Joyce has welcomed the announcement of the NZ Transport Agency’s preferred corridor for the
upgrade of State Highway 1 along the Kapiti Coast.
He says the decision to progress the Sandhills Expressway will bring long-awaited certainty for local communities and
advances plans for the development of a long-term corridor for State Highway 1 through the district.
“As part of our commitment to the corridor as a road of National Significance, we are looking to see an accelerated
upgrade to that highway to improve safety and reduce journey times.
“Earlier this year I called for a strategic plan for this section of State Highway 1 as I was concerned about a lack of
coordinated future planning in the area.
“It was important to have a discussion with the community and settle on a permanent alignment for the highway before
construction work commenced on other local projects that would have reduced the viable options.”
The Sandhills option will see the State Highway expressway built along the currently designated western link route, with
the current state highway becoming a local road through the district.
Mr Joyce says this will preserve the townships of both Waikanae and Paraparaumu and will ensure local railway stations
continue to be easily accessible for local rail commuters.
The Sandhills Expressway is expected to be built for between $380 and $500 million, with a much smaller number of
properties (20 – 50) affected than would have been the case with either of the two other corridor options considered and
consulted on publicly.
“It’s good to now have a long-term strategic plan for the future of State Highway 1 through the district and serving the
entire lower North Island,” says Mr Joyce.
“I thank the community for their patience and involvement in the consultation process. Now that decisions have been
made, I look forward to work beginning as quickly as possible to improve roading on the coast.”
Website: www.nzta.govt.nz
ENDS