Roading update
Big news on the roading front over the weekend with NZTA unveiling the final detailed design for the Kapiti Expressway.
I'm pleased the NZ Transport Agency has listened closely to community feedback and chosen the Western option, which will affect significantly fewer property owners than the Eastern option. The southern alignment was always going to be a tough decision with many factors to consider.
Now that we have a final decision it’s important for NZTA to move quickly on property purchases so that local residents can get on with their lives.
Overall this is a hugely positive project for our region. Everyone knows that our roads need upgrading, and now we have the investment which sets us up for the next 50 years.
A second bridge over the Waikanae River is great news, and I’m rapt with interchanges on two of our busiest local roads – Kapiti and Te Moana. These will help connect our communities and give us much better access to Wellington.
The other main benefit of the expressway is that state highway one will become a local road which means it can be developed for local use.
Transmission Gully is on the way, which makes it even more important to complete the expressway. There would be no point in having traffic exit the Gully and come to a roaring halt at the Paraparaumu traffic lights.
The Kapiti Expressway is part of the Levin to Wellington Airport Road of National Significance, a $2.2 billion project.
The section from Peka Peka to Otaki is also making good progress with submissions being analysed and detailed investigations continuing.
Everyone who got caught in the Easter traffic jams at the Otaki roundabout will know that something needs to be done. This is the worst traffic choke point in the lower North Island and an upgrade is well overdue.
Further north, investigative work is continuing on the Otaki to Levin section, from Taylors Road near Otaki to just south of the Manawatu River. Any route proposals from NZTA are likely to be presented next year.
On top of this, we also have new trains, a major rail upgrade and Air New Zealand flights from Paraparaumu beginning later this year. I’m proud to have so much exciting development happening in our part of the world.