Guy turns first sod for Rail Improvements
Otaki MP Nathan Guy turned the first sod today, commencing the start of rail improvements for Kapiti commuters.
“The double tracking extension and electrification through to Waikanae is fantastic news for our community and I was rapt to turn the first sod at Mackays crossing,” Mr Guy says.
“Once completed, these improvements will deliver a more reliable service for commuters with trains every 15 minutes in peak time as far as Waikanae. This will reduce car parking congestion at the Paraparaumu station and I predict that it will also entice more rail commuters from Otaki and further north.”
Mr Guy says the improvements will help to reduce road congestion and are timely, given recent Kapiti Coast District Council approval for some large housing developments at Waikanae.
“I’ve always advocated for decent infrastructure and this will resolve some of the transport issues we face in this Western Corridor.
“In the 1980s rail electrification transformed Paraparaumu from a weekend beach retreat to a satellite community, in easy commuting distance for people wanting to work in Wellington but live on the Kapiti Coast. Now it is Waikanae’s turn.”
He says the work will provide some challenges working beside the main trunk line and SH1. The soil conditions could also be challenging, as was experienced during the MacKays crossing upgrade.
“The project fits with the National Government’s plan to speed up infrastructure investment to stimulate our local economy.”