Gully construction starts at last
TRANSPORT Minister Simon Bridges says Kapiti residents will be ‘‘incredibly proud’’ of the Transmission Gully motorway when motorists begin to use it.
Bridges and other officials from around Greater Wellington n gathered at the Car Haulaways site in Paekakariki to celebrate the first day of construction yesterday.
So far, pioneering work, such as the construction of a sediment retention pond, has been undertaken, while a dam to source construction water and a clean water diversion are being completed.
Design work on the project is nearing completion, while main works are continuing.
Bulk earthworks will begin by the end of the month.
Bridges said the community would be happy to see diggers and other machines on-site. ‘‘After decades and decades and decades of dreaming, wanting and planning, it’s tremendous to be here at a time where we can see tangible work and progress on the ground.’’
The 27km, four-lane road would improve traffic flows, travel times, motorist safety and roading resilience, he said.
The road is the first state highway in New Zealand to be constructed under public-private partnership, and Bridges said he was confident the project would run to schedule.
The Wellington Gateway Partnership (WGP), a group of contractors overseeing targets set by the New Zealand Transport Agency, is constructing and financing the motorway, and will maintain it for 25 years after its completion.
WGP chief executive David Low said it was an exciting time.
‘‘From this day forward, people travelling on State Highway 1 will see activities on-site.’’
Otaki MP Nathan Guy said it was a ‘‘proud and historic day’’.
Towns like Otaki, Levin and Foxton would be opened up by the motorway and the adjoining expressway, and the effect was noticeable already. ‘‘We’re very much in a sweet spot for the next 10 years. Already we’re seeing a big upside, with construction workers not only renting, but purchasing homes for their families.’’
Pending work around the Basin Reserve, ongoing infrastructure projects could take 30-40 minutes off travel time from Wellington Airport to Levin, he said. The WGP hopes to complete the motorway in 2020.