Transmission Gully project takes next step

The proposed road through Transmission Gully has been sent to a board of inquiry.

Environment Minister Nick Smith referred the application to build the road just north of Wellington from the New Zealand Transport Agency, Porirua City Council and Transpower New Zealand to an independent board, as recommended by the Environment Protection Authority.

The nearly $1 billion project consists of four components: the main alignment from Linden to MacKays Crossing, the Kenepuru link road; the Porirua link roads and the relocation of existing transmission lines and towers along the route.

“The application for the Transmission Gully roading proposal is nationally significant because of the wide public interest in the project, the significant use of physical and natural resources, and the fact it affects more than one region or district,” Dr Smith said.

Environment Court Judge Brian Dwyer will chair the board of inquiry.

He will be joined by Environment Commissioner Russell Howie, resource management consultant David McMahon, traffic engineering consultant David Mitchell and Resource Management Act and tikanga Maori expert Glenice Paine.

“Wellington has previously experienced long delays in decisions over transport infrastructure with the inner city bypass taking 17 years to consent,” Dr Smith said.

“This process will enable affected people to have their say but will deliver a decision within nine months.”

Dr Smith's announcement has been welcomed by Transport Minister Steven Joyce, who said it meant the proposal remained on track for a construction start in the 2015/16 financial year.

“Transmission Gully is a crucial section of the Wellington northern corridor road of national significance, which will give the whole lower North Island the vital transport link it needs to thrive economically.

Once the road is built, it will make travelling in and out of Wellington easier, safer and more productive, Mr Joyce said.

“This project has been on the cards for decades and has already seen years of preparation by the New Zealand Transport Agency and the former Transit, so getting to this stage is a huge achievement.”