Kapiti roading plans unveiled
Over the weekend NZTA unveiled their plans for the new Kapiti Expressway, including four interchanges and a new bridge over the Waikanae River.
Overall this is good news for our region. I’ve always argued the interchanges need to be in the right place to connect communities and provide decent access for locals and visitors, and the plan achieves this.
Two of the interchanges will be at Kapiti and Te Moana Roads, our two busiest local roads. These will help us better connect the Paraparaumu and Waikanae communities.
On Sunday I attended the first open day held by NZTA at Southwards car museum. Overall it was a pretty positive day with a huge turnout. It was great to see the route laid out in detail, and officials were very helpful at answering people’s queries.
Obviously some people will be more affected than others by the route, but most left the expo much better informed.
Many local people I talked to are glad we finally have some certainty after years of talk and little action.
Further open days are being held this week, and written submissions close on 4 February.
This expressway is part of the Levin to Wellington Airport corridor, a $2.2 billion project which also includes Transmission Gully.
Overall it will mean quicker, safer journeys and less congestion on our roads. Local residents will have much easier access to important infrastructure in Wellington such as the hospital, airport, stadium and business district.
Further North, I’m looking forward to engaging with the Otaki and Te Horo communities early in the New Year on the advanced plans for their section of the expressway.
It’s great news that the Waitanui bridge and road realignment at Manakau will be finished by Christmas. This was a terrible accident black spot and locals will be relieved to see improvements.
Finally our region is getting the investment it deserves after years of neglect, and as local MP I’m determined we maximise the benefits.