$1 billion cost makes Petone-to-Grenada highway 'difficult' - mayor
Tuesday, 3 December 2019
Two major Hutt Valley roading projects have been earmarked as essential to helping Wellington withstand a major earthquake, but Lower Hutt's mayor has warned one of them may be too expensive.
A Wellington Lifelines report recommends a $5.3 billion investment in the region's infrastructure to safeguard New Zealand's economy in the event of a 7.5-magnitude earthquake on the Wellington Fault.
Included in the 25 key projects are the proposed Petone-to-Grenada highway, and the Cross Valley Link road between Seaview and State Highway 2.
Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry said the link road was vital to improving resilience in the Hutt Valley, but the Petone-to-Grenada highway - which the report estimates would cost over $1b - may be too costly.
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'Petone-to-Grenada is difficult because of some of the projections around cost,' Barry said.
'We need to think about what's realistic. And that's the Cross Valley Link, and also Melling [interchange on SH2].
'In regards to resilience and future proofing, those two are the top priorities for the city. It's vital those are in place before any other significant developments can take place.'
No cost or timeframe has been placed on the link road, which would connect Seaview on the eastern side of Hutt Valley to SH2 on the western side.
The report recommends the road be built by at least 2029, and be constructed so it was usable following an earthquake.
Hutt City Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency are currently working on a business case for the road, known as the Hutt City cross valley connection programme.
Hutt South MP Chris Bishop said the Cross Valley Link and Petone-to-Grenada highway were both crucial projects for resilience in the Hutt Valley.
'Unfortunately, the government cut $5 billion from the state highways budget, and there is no chance of either of those projects starting any time in the near future.'
The projects would need political commitment from central government and councils around the region, Bishop said.
'The Government's got to front up with a lot of money to fund highways, and unfortunately, this government is just not interested in building roads.
'Hutt City Council says it's working on [the Cross Valley Link], but they've been working on it for the past five years.'
The Petone-to-Grenada highway will not be considered for funding until 2028, while funding for the Melling interchange is not expected to be considered until at least 2029.
Transport Minister Phil Twyford said the Petone to Grenada project was prioritised in the Wellington Regional Land Transport Resilience Programme Business Case.
The project would be redesigned with a focus on resilience and safety, he said.
'All projects must be considered against other priorities throughout New Zealand and these are operational decisions for the NZTA.
'However, I am optimistic the Transport Agency will begin its investigation work and seek funding for Petone to Grenada within the timing recommended in the report.'
NZTA director of regional relationships Emma Speight said the agency supported the Lifelines report, but funding and timing of roading projects would be prioritised through its National Land Transport Programme.
'The transport agency has completed the Wellington Regional Land Transport resilience programme business case, which also highlighted Petone-to-Grenada as a resilience priority.
'The next step will be to seek funding for the development of a business case, which will include working with the community and our local government partners on improving transport choice for east-west journeys.'