By rosebell
As part of the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) initiative, the next phase of the SH1 Wellington Improvements program, which is intends to reduce congestion and stimulate economic growth in Wellington, has been approved by New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Board.
Constructing a second Mt. Victoria Tunnel, a duplicate Terrace Tunnel, as well as significant upgrades to the Basin Reserve, are the upgrades under this project.
The expected adnatages from these new additions are decreasing travel times, improving traffic flow, and boosting reliability for both commuters and freight across Wellington.
Considering that during peak hours SH1 faces heavy congestion, anticipated population growth set to further strain the network and without these improvements, travel times on SH1 between Ngauranga and Wellington Airport are expected to rise by up to 50% over the next decade.
According to Brown: “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 RoNS projects previously built by National are some of New Zealand’s most successful State Highway corridors, reducing congestion and improving safety. Moving at pace to build a new generation of RoNS signals our Government’s focus on prioritising investments that deliver real value to commuters and businesses.”
Building of a new 0.7km Mt. Victoria Tunnel running parallel to the existing tunnel, grade separation at the Basin Reserve by expanding the Arras Tunnel and redirecting SH1 westbound traffic to the northern side, as well as a 0.5km duplicate Terrace Tunnel, are the project’s core components.
While the time duration of travel on the number one bus from Island Bay to the Railway Station is nine minutes during morning peak times, the number two bus from Miramar to the CBD could see an 11-minute reduction in journe time.
With the aim of reducing southbound traffic volumes across the Harbour Quays by 30%, the traffic modelling of the new tunnels and upgrades was done and this reduction is expected to ease congestion along easing congestion along key routes throughout Wellington.
SH1 Wellington Improvements will proceed as a single-corridor project, with phased delivery. An investment case is set for presentation to the NZTA Board in mid-2025.
