Watch live as Treasury Secretary Grant Robertson and Transport Secretary Michael Wood outline the government’s preferred option for Let’s Get Wellington Moving, a major transportation renovation for the city that has been in the works for years.
Light rail from the city to Island Bay and a new tunnel through Mt Victoria have been backed by the government in the $6.4 billion Let’s Get Wellington Moving project — the biggest change in how Wellingtonians move in decades.
The second Mt Victoria tunnel would have four lanes of traffic – two for public transport and two for private cars. The old Mt Victoria Tunnel was to be converted into a walking and cycling route. The plan includes improvements to traffic around the Basin Reserve.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Wellington, align transport and urban development and tackle the climate crisis by transporting more people with fewer vehicles,” said the Minister of State for Transport. Finance Grant Robertson Wednesday morning at the announcement. †
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* Light rail to Island Bay for the airport as officials considered the Wellington transport package
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Let’s Get Wellington Moving has plans for rapid transit by light rail or bus through Wellington. (Video first published in December 2021, consultation is now closed)
Now that the government has shown its hand, the other Let’s Get Wellington Moving partners – Wellington’s city and regional councils – must show theirs. The Wellington City Council and Great Wellington Regional Council are expected to make their decisions next Wednesday.
If the other partners agree, the option will move to a detailed business case for the cabinet to consider.
“I know Wellingtonians are eager to see progress and we have asked the program about options to accelerate progress and early works, taking into account phasing options,” Transport Secretary Michael Wood said in the announcement.
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An artist’s impression of what the Mt Victoria tunnel would look like converted to walking and cycling.
The overhaul, which affects public transport, walking, private cars and bicycles, has been in the mirror for years with little to no visible signs of progress. In recent months, some minor changes have taken place, such as adjustments to improve walking and test cycle routes.
But a light rail system and route through Mount Victoria—the current tunnel is currently a bottleneck for traffic on State Highway 1 from the city and north of the city to the airport—has long been one of the most divisive and expensive decisions to make. be taken.
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The plan includes improvements to traffic around the Basin Reserve, which would no longer be a roundabout. (File photo)
“Our capital needs a connected rapid transit network that will serve Wellington residents in the future, allowing them to move faster across the city, connecting communities, providing better access to businesses and reducing congestion,” said Robertson.
“Where previous governments have failed to make long-term plans, we are committed to supporting Wellington to achieve its future potential,” said Robertson.
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The light rail is not yet locked – in the business case, an express bus network is also seen as a form of mass-fast transit.
“The southern light rail option is our preferred choice for Wellington because of the significant potential it offers for new housing and neighborhood growth. By 2050, we expect that up to 80,000 more people will live within the city limits and that 25% more people from across the region will come to the central city every working day.”
Robertson said light rail will “support more people living centrally, close to where they work, study and live.”
But the light rail is not fixed yet – in the business case, an express bus network is also seen as a form of mass-fast transit. “This is a cautious step to take and will allow us to maintain momentum in the project,” said Wood.
“The data tells us that the cost of delaying this project for another ten years will only increase costs. Wellingtonians recognize the need for this investment, they want us to continue with it, and we are.”
Mayor Andy Foster hailed the announcement as a “huge” day for the capital.
“Deploying a second tunnel and a clear plan for arranging transportation around the Basin Reserve are important, long-awaited piles in the ground,” Foster said.
“It is also important to signal further detailed research into urban development assumptions along the confirmed [mass rapid transit] route. Whether the final choice is bus or train depends on the level of urban development expected along the corridor.
Daran Ponter, chairman of the Greater Wellington Regional Council, welcomed the announcement Wednesday morning.
“This announcement gives confidence in a future for Mass Rapid Transport for Wellington and paves the way for dedicated public transport corridors and a connection to the wider Metlink network, which will be great news for existing and future public transport users and the environment” , says Ponter. said.