One of the options put forward by the NZTA was a widening of Rocks Rd. Photo: File.

Agency works through transport feedback

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More than 1000 people submitted their feedback on options to tackle Nelson’s transport problems, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says.

The online submission process closed on Monday evening and saw locals put their ideas forward on how the agency’s three options might work in practise.

The packages consist of short term optimisation activities – which include: core cycling and pedestrian network, minor bus network improvements, local area traffic calming measures, intersection upgrades, speed management, revising parking and public transport fares and marketing and promoting different ways to travel to work and school.

The long-term packages include priority lanes – adding lanes to SH6/Rocks Rd and Waimea Rd/Rutherford St (peak period clearways) for priority traffic, a coastal route – widening of the SH6 Coastal State Highway Corridor (providing two lanes in each direction) for general traffic and building a new “inland route”, previously known as the “Southern Link”.

NZTA’s director regional relationships, Jim Harland, says from the public feedback a recommendation will go from the project team to the project’s governance group and then the combined short and long-term proposal will be presented to Nelson City Council and NZTA for endorsement.

Feedback will be considered between August and November with the recommended option being put back to the public for further comment in November.

A finalised option is expected in early 2021 which will inform council’s Long-Term Plan as well as Waka Kotahi’s National Land Transport Programme.

“From here the community will get a say on the complete recommended option of short and long-term measures.”

Jim says the agency was “very pleased” with the number of responses.

“The community response surpassed our expectations.”