Cambridge future transport option open for feedback

A preferred option to address Cambridge’s transport issues has today been revealed and it includes enhanced transport choices for walking, cycling and public transport, and a potential area for a third bridge.

The option was presented to stakeholders this week and marks an important milestone in the project. Another two options were presented but the preferred option scored the highest against the assessment criteria.

The community can have their say on the preferred option from today.

Transportation Manager Bryan Hudson said community feedback from the Waipā Transport Strategy and Ahu Ake - Waipā Community Spatial Plan consultations, as well as 129 pieces of stakeholder input helped inform the preferred option. Traffic modelling and growth projections were also considered.

“We are confident that the feedback to date and traffic modelling ensures the overall transport programme is robust. Further investigation will still be needed to develop the detail,” Hudson said.

“The preferred option meets all the Transport Strategy objectives and can be implemented to better plan the transport network now and safeguard it for the future.”

Next steps will be considering any feedback from the community and combining it with the work done to date to complete a business case. This will be shared with elected members and presented to the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, with a view to attracting funding for the programme including a third bridge.

“We know the third bridge is incredibly important to residents, and we have a lot of work to do before we can confirm an exact site, timeframe, and budget. We need to complete the appropriate cultural, geotechnical and environmental impact assessments, engagement, and gain support from central government, so ratepayers don’t have to foot all of the bill.”

“This is a long-term option, and we will continue to implement other projects that have stemmed from the Transport Strategy. Our aim is to have a well-planned network for all users,” Hudson said.

You can watch the stakeholder presentation, view the preferred option map and provide feedback by visiting waipadc.govt.nz/cambridgeconnections