Shift in Government transport priorities prompts fresh look at Melling transport improvements

Every three years, the government issues an investment strategy on the land transport system called the Government Policy Statement on land transport, also known as the GPS. The GPS is a document that guides land transport investment over a ten year period. Transport investments have long lead times, high costs and leave long legacies. Good transport investments therefore require careful planning to ensure that today’s transport network will be able to meet our future needs.

The new GPS 2018 is committed to creating an efficient, modern and resilient transport system for New Zealand, across all transport modes and reflects this new approach through four clear priorities:

• a safer transport network free of death and injury
• accessible and affordable transport
• reduced emissions and
• value for money.

The NZ Transport Agency are now working with councils and others to realise the new vision for the transport network outlined in GPS 2018. This work means taking a fresh look at transport investments across the country, including the Melling transport improvements project, to ensure that they align with the new priorities of GPS 2018.

At this stage, the Transport Agency cannot say how the Melling project plans will be affected until the process of carefully looking at the options is further along. Some projects may need to bring amended plans back to the community to allow them to have input and express their views. To ensure that this work is robust and delivers the best outcomes, the process is expected to take approximately three to six months.

In undertaking this work, the Transport Agency will take into account the outcomes that are the priority for the Wellington region as set out in the Regional Land Transport Plan.

The Transport Agency's team will complete the work as quickly as possible while not compromising quality. We will update you again as soon as we are able to share more. Updates will be published on the Transport Agency website as it becomes available here.