Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency announced today a record $3.1 billion investment in Wellington to get more people using sustainable travel options to move around the region and improving the safety, reliability and resilience of the region’s roads.

The planned investments are detailed in the 2021–24 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), published today.

Ngā Kaupapa Huarahi o Aotearoa | 2021–24 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP)

The $3.1 billion investment planned for Wellington is part of a wider $24.3 billion investment in land transport system across Aotearoa during the next three years. This investment in Wellington is a 63 per cent increase compared to the previous 2018–21 NLTP.

“Our investment during the next three years will support an integrated and well-designed land transport system to get people using different ways to move around for many of their journeys,” Director of Regional Relationships Emma Speight says.

“This investment will help to reduce regional transport emissions and increase the number of people using alternative travel options to private vehicles.

“Significant investment will be made on Let’s Get Wellington Moving projects, including making it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle or travel by bus through the busiest places in the central city, on the redevelopment of Lambton Quay and Willis Street, to begin investing in mass rapid transit and a range of SH1 improvements, including to the Basin Reserve and a second tunnel through Mt Victoria.

“Wellington is a fantastic capital city and it needs a fantastic transport system that is safe and efficient for the city to continue to thrive as it grows,” Ms Speight says.

“To ease congestion, help reduce carbon emissions and make Wellington a healthier place to live, $1.2 billion will be invested in public transport and $261 million in walking and cycling. This will include building two sections of Te Ara Tupua, the long-awaited walking and cycling link between Wellington and the Hutt Valley, and a range of other projects across the region.”

Ms Speight says Wellington city’s compact position in an active earthquake zone makes improving resilience a critical part of the NLTP investment programme.

“Geographic constraints mean any disruption to the transport system will have significant social and economic impacts for the nation’s capital, the wider region and beyond.

“We’re improving the safety and reliability of all travel options to help keep communities connected and keep roads open for people and freight. This includes strengthening SH1 and SH2, replacing two rail bridges north of Waikanae and investing $490 million on maintaining local roads and state highways to help keep people and goods moving safely and smoothly in and out of the capital.”

Full details of the investments being made through the National Land Transport Programme, including detailed regional breakdowns, can be found at www.nzta.govt.nz/nltp

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.