Southern Link back on the table

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There’s been a mainly positive reaction to the Prime Minister’s shock announcement to investigate building the long-talked-about Southern Link.

John Key announced on Sunday that the investigation into building what would be a new state highway, would be funded by the government, prompting support from his cabinet minister and local MP Nick Smith, Nelson AA and residents online.

The road, dubbed the southern link, would provide a third route to the city from the Tasman district, where most of the region’s exports are grown or produced. It would mean that trucks carrying that produce could drive to Port Nelson without having to drive along the scenic Rocks Rd, leaving it clear for development.

But it would also mean putting a major road through the community of Victory and along the popular Railway Reserve cycle trail.

Nelson MP Nick Smith and Nelson mayor Rachel Reese have both said they support the link being built. “This highway route along the old railway line has been earmarked for fifty years and needs advancing,” says Nick. “The existing Rocks and Waimea Roads do not have the capacity to cope with the region’s population and export growth.”

He says he’s determined to get the road built and that the effects on Victory are “minimised”.

Reaction to the news on the Nelson Weekly Facebook page was mixed, but more were in favour than opposed. “Over a lot of dead bodies, I suspect,” wrote Jacqui Irwin, while Dave Trigg wrote: “Great news, get it done, the sooner the better.”