The fast-track application for the SH1 Wellington Improvements project has been officially lodged, marking what the New Zealand Transport Agency described as a significant milestone that will allow officials to protect the route.
SH1 Wellington Improvements project cost and design details
The multibillion-dollar initiative envisions the construction of a second Mt Victoria tunnel and a second Terrace Tunnel, alongside major redesigns of central city roads including the area around the Basin Reserve to allow traffic to move in both directions. The total cost to design, purchase land, and construct the project is estimated between $2.9 billion and $3.8 billion. While $185 million has been approved for design, consents, and early works—with $33 million already spent on contractors and consultants—funding for major construction has not been provided, and there is no start date for building to begin.
Te Aro and Kilbirnie property impacts
The proposal also involves changes in Te Aro, including three lanes on Vivian Street and Karo Drive, and widening Ruahine Street and Wellington Road in Kilbirnie en route to the airport. According to Wellington City Council officials, approximately 3.2 hectares of Town Belt land would be taken for the project, and NZTA has identified 176 properties it might need to buy, alongside another 146 properties where it might need to buy below-ground land.
Wellington City Council fast-track debate
The fast-track process has sparked debate among city councillors. Some critics, including Green Party-backed councillors opposed to the project, labeled the plans a “ghost road” and a “ghost project” due to the lack of a start date or construction funding. Motukairangi/Eastern Ward councillor Jonny Osborne questioned the use of the fast-track process given the absence of funding, while fellow councillor Geordie Rogers argued the project would increase traffic on roads such as Taranaki Street, Ghuznee Street, and Abel Smith Street. An amendment seeking to use the fast-track process to push for the pedestrianisation of Cuba Street ultimately failed.
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little and Environmental Protection Authority decisions
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little stated that using the process for a separate debate on Cuba Street was a waste of time, adding that the council’s role is to mitigate the worst aspects of the project. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Authority noted that it takes an average of 117 working days for a decision to be made on a fast-track application, with a panel tasked with approving the project, approving it with conditions, or declining it.
