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JUNE 2018
Produced for the community, by the community CHURCH NOTICES, CLASSIFIEDS & COMMUNITY CONTACTS FROM PAGE 20
Community groups seek clarification on fate of Woodend Bypass Will the Woodend Bypass be like the Transmission Gully project north of Wellington and see more than seven decades pass before work commences? The Transmission Gully work is a 27km four-lane motorway under construction north of Wellington that was first mooted during World War 2, but which did not finally start until 2014. The Woodend Bypass project seems headed towards a similar fate. News the Woodend bypass was shelved surfaced during a meeting of the Pegasus Residents’ Group, only three months after Transport Minister Phil Twyford maintained it was still included after 20 years debate and discussion. However, the project is now notable for its absence in the New Zealand Transport Agency’s Investment Proposal (TAIP) 10-year plan. The draft TAIP, sets out the investment approach and proposed programme of activities across all modes of transport for the next ten years that will influence which projects the Transport Agency works on. The Agency must adhere to new priorities specified in the Government’s draft Policy Statement (GPS) which sets the direction for land transport investment in New Zealand. This policy will be adopted and confirmed by the Government on June 30.
Regional Transport Committees then align their projects with the GPS, and submit them to the Transport Agency, for inclusion in the National Land Transport Programme for adoption by August 31. Ian Lennie, chair of the Pegasus Residents Group and Mark Paterson, president of the Woodend Community Association are angry the bypass has been delayed, they are worried about the safety of their residents, Woodend School children, and visitors as conflict between pedestrians and traffic is growing. Reports suggest vehicle numbers will increase, with up to 28,000 vehicles per day passing through the area in the near future. It is claimed this will make it more dangerous not only for those who live here, but also those who travel through to work in Christchurch. Messrs Lennie and Paterson met with Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey, to plan their strategy going forward which is “to approach NZTA for confirmation and clarification of the position.” Waimakariri District Council has made submissions on the GPS regarding the Woodend Corridor, they are also concerned the project may be delayed or suspended. Continues on page 15 >>>