Wellingtonians split over second tunnels and SH1 revamp

Wellingtonians are divided over the government's planned tunnels and highway extensions, according to a report by NZTA.

The plan to revamp the state highway corridor from the Terrace Tunnel through to Kilbirnie is expected to cost $2.9 billion to $3.8 billion, and is an attempt to ease congestion.

The project involves the construction of second tunnels at the Terrace and Mt Victoria, refurbishments of SH1 across the city, especially in Te Aro, Hataitai, Kilbirnie, and an upgrade of the roads at Basin Reserve.

NZTA has gathered public opinion in surveys, online and during community information sessions, and released the findings on Thursday.

Residents appeared split over the changes.

Proximity to the works influenced public perception.

Residents in southern and CBD suburbs - those nearest to the road works - were more likely to say the changes would be worse for them and the city.

But those further away from proposed changes, in northern suburbs and outside of Wellington city, were more likely say the changes would be better for them and the city.

People were most vocal about the second tunnel at Mt Victoria which attracted the most amount of online feedback of all the proposed changes.

Opinion was divided over whether cycle and pedestrian lanes were wide enough to be safe.

Those in favour of the second tunnel also cited easing congestion as a benefit.

Others complained of the tunnel's impact on the loss of housing and the safety of children walking to school with more cars on the roads.

'I am also disappointed that houses will be demolished along the route when housing is under such demand in Wellington," read one comment.

The most popular change was the second tunnel at the Terrace, which locals hoped would boost investment in the city and fight bottlenecks.

One respondent wrote: "This will help grow our city as better infrastructure will encourage investment."

The least popular changes in the project were the widening of Ruahine Street and Wellington Road to provide two lanes in each direction.

Residents expressed concerns that traffic from a wider road would overflow into smaller side roads.

The design's lack of right-turns from Ruahine Street and Hamilton Road and limited entry and exit points attracted concern.

"You've only given us one on-ramp from Hataitai which is just going to back traffic all up the main street."

Arguments in favour of proposed changes cited the need for better transport through the city, such as to the airport, to stimulate economic growth.

"This is a long overdue project .... a once-in-a-generation opportunity to futureproof the area."

But others worried these benefits would be undermined by the costs.

"The cost of $3.8 billion is an extraordinary sum to spend for minimal time savings - the benefits are not worth it," said one comment.

The project is estimated to save up to 10 minutes from travel times during peak journeys from the Wellington region to the CBD, hospital, and airport.

Some respondents focused on how the changes might ease congestion. One comment read: "The current situation is terrible for cyclists/walkers ... I particularly like the cycle and walkway through the tunnel."

The project's environmental impact caused concern to residents, and some were happy NZTA was taking it into consideration. But others argued the changes were necessary. "We need growth, we need people. This will make all city suburbs better."

Detractors complained that construction and the improvements themselves would result in more noise and pollution, worrying the changes would attract more cars on the road, worsening congestion in the area and possibly undermining public safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

"Induced demand will inevitably result in future congestion, bringing us back to the same bottlenecks," said a respondent.

Another contentious issue was that of parking, as the project might remove up to 200 parking spaces.

"The removal of car parking by WCC has already impacted the central city, the removal of further carparks from Vivian Street will exacerbate the difficulties that locals, tradies, and shoppers encounter when accessing homes and businesses," argued a local.

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