The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has confirmed the next steps on the SH1 Wellington Improvements Road of National Significance (RoNS), including an expanded package to reduce Wellington’s gridlock and support economic growth.
The project will see the creation of a second 700m long Mount Victoria Tunnel running parallel to the existing tunnel, an extension to the Arras Tunnel, and a second 500m long Terrace Tunnel running parallel to the existing Terrace Tunnel
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said, “Our Government is committed to delivering a second Mt Victoria Tunnel for Wellington to reduce congestion and unlock national and regional economic growth. I’m pleased to see the NZTA Board confirm the next steps for this RoNS to deliver on this commitment, including the addition of a duplicate Terrace Tunnel that will further boost productivity and enable people and freight to get to where they want to go, quickly and safely.
“SH1 through Wellington is heavily congested at peak times, with forecast population growth across the region expected to increase travel demand across the network. Without improvements to this critical route, within ten years the region could be looking at travel time increases of up to 50 per cent between Ngauranga and the Airport.
“We campaigned on delivering a second Mt Victoria Tunnel and upgrades to the Basin Reserve as a RoNS. The option endorsed by the NZTA Board includes a second Mt Victoria Tunnel that will run parallel to the existing tunnel, a duplicate Terrace Tunnel, and upgrades to the Basin Reserve that will reduce travel times and improve reliability for commuters on the North-South bus corridor.
The project will be consented as a single corridor, with the project delivered in stages. “After consideration of all options by the NZTA Board, I’m confident that the chosen option will significantly reduce congestion and provide more efficient and reliable access as we continue to rebuild the economy.
The SH1 Wellington Improvements RoNS will now move through an investment case which will be completed to be brought back to the NZTA Board in mid-2025.
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