NZ Urban Development news from the media | 12 November 2024 | First steps towards National Infrastructure Plan

First steps towards National Infrastructure Plan

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the first steps from the Infrastructure Commission in developing New Zealand’s 30-year National Infrastructure Plan.

\The Commission today released a discussion document which outlines the Commission’s thinking in developing the 30-year plan, including looking at what’s needed over the next 30 years, what our planned investments are over the next decade, and what the gap is between the long-term needs and planned investments.

“The development of a 30-year National Infrastructure Plan has been widely welcomed across the infrastructure sector and was a National Party campaign commitment. The Infrastructure Commission has been tasked with delivering the Plan.

“The Plan will consist of four components:

1. An Infrastructure Needs Assessment which provides analysis of New Zealand’s long-term needs – and what we can afford – across the next 5-30 years
2. A strengthened National Infrastructure Pipeline which will provide a national view of upcoming projects in the next ten years
3. The Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP) which will involve a structured independent review of unfunded projects and initiatives, and
4. Priority reforms, which will improve the way we select, invest in, deliver and maintain our infrastructure.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/first-steps-towards-national-infrastructure-plan

Rail Network Rebuild to be delivered ahead of City Rail Link opening

The Government has confirmed a programme of upgrades to Auckland’s rail network that will complete the Rail Network Rebuild ahead of the City Rail Link (CRL) opening, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Acting Auckland Mayor Desley Simpson say.

“The last National Government started the City Rail Link to transform public transport in Auckland. This project will double Auckland’s rail capacity with new stations in the CBD and more frequent, faster, and more reliable trains across the city. This is a key part of the Government’s plan to reduce travel times across Auckland and give Aucklanders more travel choices so we can reduce congestion and increase productivity in our biggest city.

“To ensure the success of the City Rail Link, the Rail Network Rebuild needs to be completed ahead of the CRL opening to ensure Aucklanders can benefit from increased train services and improved reliability.

“The Government is fully funding the more than $200m needed to complete the Rail Network Rebuild and ensure the benefits of CRL can be achieved on day one. This unfortunately means further disruption for rail users in Auckland with a large programme of upgrades required over the coming year.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/rail-network-rebuild-be-delivered-ahead-city-rail-link-opening

NZTA confirms preferred option for second Mt Vic Tunnel and SH1 upgrades

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has confirmed next steps on the SH1 Wellington Improvements Road of National Significance (RoNS), including an expanded package to reduce Wellington’s gridlock and support economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Our Government is committed to delivering a second Mt Victoria Tunnel for Wellington to reduce congestion and unlock national and regional economic growth. I’m pleased to see the NZTA Board confirm the next steps for this RoNS to deliver on this commitment, including the addition of a duplicate Terrace Tunnel that will further boost productivity and enable people and freight to get to where they want to go, quickly and safely.

“SH1 through Wellington is heavily congested at peak times, with forecast population growth across the region expected to increase travel demand across the network. Without improvements to this critical route, within ten years the region could be looking at travel time increases of up to 50 per cent between Ngauranga and the Airport.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nzta-confirms-preferred-option-second-mt-vic-tunnel-and-sh1-upgrades

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