Transmission Gully and Kāpiti Expressway analysis

A report on the Analysis of the Economic and Social Benefits of Transmission Gully and Kāpiti Expressway shows a combined economic benefit of $94 million in 2024 for Mackays to Peka Peka and Peka Peka to Ōtaki.

This benefit is made up of faster and more reliable travel times, and safer travel with zero deaths and far fewer serious injuries.

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow joined a panel discussion last week with Porirua City Mayor Anita Baker, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Hon. Chris Bishop and Infrastructure NZ and Infometrics representatives.

Mayor Holborow said not only have these key pieces of roading infrastructure resulted in zero deaths between Linden and Ōtaki, the economic impact to the Kāpiti Coast has been fantastic.

“The new roads have shifted heavy traffic away from our streets, improved safety, and helped attract new residents and visitors to Kāpiti,” said Mayor Holborow.

“People are more likely to move to the Kāpiti Coast from Wellington while still feeling close to a major metropolitan centre.

“For our commuting community, they can leave later, be home earlier and fit more of what they enjoy into their day.

“Exploring the Kāpiti Coast has become an attractive option for daytime visitors such as Wellington’s cruise ship tourists and those looking for longer stays. 

“And shorter and undisrupted travel times mean businesses can base themselves in Kāpiti and readily service the rest of the Wellington Region quicker and easier.

“Sod was turned for the Ōtaki to north of Levin road yesterday, and we now look for these significant State Highway 1 improvements to deliver similar benefits for our fast-growing district. While we encourage people to use these safer roads, we ask the Government to not disincentivise their use by imposing tolls.”