Completing the crossing would increase congestion for 35,000 road users daily, airport says
Wellington Airport is initiating legal proceedings in the High Court against Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) in an attempt to stop the construction of a new pedestrian crossing in the vicinity.
The airport declared its intent to seek a judicial review of the decision to introduce an at-grade crossing at Cobham Drive. The airport claimed that the crossing would increase congestion for approximately 35,000 road users daily.
Wellington Airport chief executive Steven Sanderson said the company would file proceedings in the High Court following the review of additional documents from LGWM, which is a partnership between Waka Kotahi, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and Wellington City Council.
“This decision is driven by our support for our local community, who have made their voices heard loud and clear but have been disregarded,” Wellington Airport said in a statement published by the NZ Herald. “A capital city should have excellent connections to its airport. Cobham Drive is the first experience visitors have of Wellington and being stuck in traffic is not the way to showcase our city.”
LGWM developed the crossing project to minimise road accidents between Mount Victoria and Wellington Airport. The average delay to motorists from the crossing is expected to be about 15 seconds.
Construction on the crossing, which will connect the path along Evans Bay to the ASB Sports Centre, Kilbirnie shops, and many local schools, is set to commence in April. The Herald reported that LGWM and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency had been advised of Wellington Airport’s plan.
