Full Steam ahead on Transmission Gully
Locally there is a major focus on the roading expressway through Kapiti and ultimately up to Levin, but just as important is Transmission Gully.
This hasn’t got as much attention but behind the scenes it’s all go.
Some residents will have received a brochure in the mail recently from NZTA, giving the latest developments on Transmission Gully.
It’s great news that detailed work is underway. I think a lot of people had given up on ever seeing it happen, but it’s been a big priority for me over the years and I’m delighted it’s underway.
NZTA expects to start applying for regulatory consents in March next year, which means they are flat-out gathering all the information they need.
It’s a big project because there is a lot of information needed. NZTA needs to take into account the landscape, air and water quality, the impact on communities and the structural design.
The good news is that the government is moving to speed up the consent process. Big projects of national significance are now considered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a new agency that can make the process smoother and quicker.
There is a good chance Transmission Gully could qualify for this. All going to plan, construction will be finished by 2020.
The Gully project is part of the Levin to Wellington Airport corridor, a $2.2 billion project. The government has earmarked this as a road of National Significance, meaning it has top priority because of its importance to New Zealand.
It’s clear we need this infrastructure to better support our growing population.
Overall this will mean safer roads, quicker journeys and a real boost to the regional economy. We finally have a strategic vision for the whole corridor from Levin to Wellington.
In the meantime, keep your eye out for open days that will be happening in the near future.