A group charged with overviewing the future of Cambridge’s transport network will meet this month to begin tackling what’s been described as a “complex jigsaw with moving parts”.
Work is already underway on the ‘Cambridge Connections’ project which will define the shape of Cambridge’s transport infrastructure for the next 30 years.
Council allocated $300,000 for the project a year ago but work moved up a gear after the adoption of the Waipā Transport Strategy in May this year. That strategy formally confirmed the need for a third bridge in Cambridge once the historic high-level Victoria Bridge can no longer carry vehicles. That’s expected to be at least another 20 years away.
Group manager service delivery Dawn Inglis said the Cambridge Connections project was a “complex beast” and would take 12 months to complete. It would culminate in a business case to seek government funding for a third river crossing in Cambridge but involved much more than just building a bridge, she said.
“Cambridge Connections will consider how to reduce traffic demand, provide transport alternatives and make best use of existing infrastructure. We also need to consider national climate change targets and ways to encourage and enable more walking, cycling and public transport. To do this properly and to serve Cambridge and the wider district best, all these things must be taken into account.”
Inglis confirmed a location for the bridge had not been decided and land had not been purchased.
“A third bridge location would require Council to designate land, meaning the land would be zoned for future road use. A lot of land would be needed and once designated, Council would likely be required to borrow money to buy that land, even though the bridge will be some years away. A designation may also require existing road corridors to be widened, forcing Council to buy further land from residents or businesses, some of whom may not wish to sell. There’s a lot at stake.”
By June next year, Cambridge Connections would have developed a business case as defined by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. A business case is essential to securing a 51 per cent government subsidy.
“Otherwise all Waipā ratepayers, across the entire district, will be footing the bill for the bridge entirely from their own pockets. We need the government on board.”
The Cambridge Connections Stakeholder Group includes Elected Councillors and Cambridge Community Board members as well as iwi representatives. It also includes representation from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, the heavy freight industry, regional transport planning experts and others. Members represent groups with a direct impact on the transport system.
“The role of the stakeholder group is important. Members will provide on-the-ground feedback and advice on what is the best future transport system for Cambridge and the wider district,” Inglis said.
We need to make sure all those issues are taken into account before the business case is finalised.”
