Nathan Guy local column – Green light for Transmission Gully and Kapiti expressway to follow
There was widespread positive reaction to the recent news that Transmission Gully has been given approval by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
This is the final green light we’ve been waiting for, and means that construction can potentially now start in 2015.
This is hugely important for the lower North Island, and particularly for Kapiti and Horowhenua.
As part of the Wellington Airport to Levin Road of National Significance, it will mean much quicker and safer journeys. It will be a real boost to economic growth and cut down on congestion.
Eventually Levin will be just an hour’s drive from Wellington’s CBD, making our region a more attractive place to live, work and play.
I’ve been campaigning on this issue since I became an MP in 2005, and I’m proud to be part of a Government which has finally made it happen.
Public consultation in 2008 found 90% of respondents in favour of the Transmission Gully route.
The creation of the EPA has meant that major infrastructure projects can be considered in just nine months, instead of the years of legal battles that used to occur. At the same time though, it allows for everyone to have their say and for all evidence to be considered.
I’m now looking to forward to the Kapiti expressway making similar progress, which is likely to also be referred to a Board of Inquiry.
The two projects are closely linked. Without the expressway, traffic would come out of the gully and to a screaming halt at traffic lights.
Good progress is also happening on the Peka Peka to Otaki expressway, with over 100 people attending each open day held recently in Otaki and Te Horo.
I campaigned hard on these roading issues in last year’s election and its clear we have a local mandate to get on with the job.
You can find more information about all of these projects at http://www.nzta.govt.nz/network/projects/wellington-northern-corridor/