Suburban Road Set for 3,500 Extra Cars Daily Under Highway Plan

A significant increase in traffic is anticipated for Moxham Avenue in Hataitai, with forecasts indicating an additional 3,500 cars daily due to planned changes by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). This surge has prompted local councillors to voice their opposition to the government’s highway initiative, which they believe disregards community concerns.

The NZTA confirmed that modifications to Wellington State Highway 1 will include two new tunnels, a complete redesign of traffic flow around the Basin Reserve, and a three-lane upgrade of Vivian Street. These changes are expected to elevate daily traffic on Moxham Avenue by 47%, increasing from 7,300 to 10,800 vehicles. Traffic from Newtown will be redirected through a new interchange in Hataitai and onto Moxham Avenue, prompting local residents to express their frustrations.

Community Opposition and Concerns

Councillors representing the eastern suburbs have united in their criticism of the highway plan. They accuse the government of “torpedoing” changes that the community does not support. Guy Benton, co-vicar of All Saints Hataitai Anglican Church, described the projected increase in traffic as “absolutely mental.” He emphasized that the new interchange’s location would alter the character and safety of the street.

Councillor Karl Tiefenbacher remarked that the proposed changes would adversely affect nearly every street in the area, leading to increased congestion on non-highway roads. Fellow councillor Jonny Osborne, representing the Green Party, criticized the initiative as being implemented “to Wellington, not with Wellington.” He pointed out that local roads and residents had not been adequately considered in the planning process.

Osborne further noted that the projected traffic rise would complicate drop-off and pick-up routines at Kilbirnie School, exacerbate delays on the busiest bus route, and increase risks for cyclists heading to the tunnel. Another councillor, Sam O’Brien from the Labour Party, stated that while the eastern suburbs seek solutions to congestion, the government is fast-tracking changes without sufficient regard for local impacts.

Government Response and Future Considerations

The NZTA acknowledged that revisions could be made following ongoing community consultation, which is set to conclude shortly. The agency noted that modifications to traffic patterns are intended to alleviate existing congestion at points such as Taurima Street, which will transition to an exit-only route from the tunnel. This change aims to reduce traffic buildup on Moxham Avenue, particularly during peak times.

An official statement from the NZTA indicated that the current road design presents safety risks and often leads to traffic queues that hinder bus flow in the Hataitai area. Transport Minister Chris Bishop‘s office refrained from commenting further, deferring to the NZTA’s remarks regarding the potential for community-driven adjustments.

As local residents prepare to voice their opinions, the outcome of the consultation process remains uncertain, and the projected increase in traffic looms large over the Hataitai community.