Opportunities highlighted in Cambridge Connections Review

An independent review into the delivery of the Cambridge Connections project has found that while the process followed was largely correct, there were opportunities for improvement - including more time being allowed to ‘take the community on the journey’.

The Cambridge Connections project focuses on the development of a business case to attract funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency for transport improvements.

It covers all components of Cambridge’s transport network, including its river crossings, with a key focus on maximising the use of existing infrastructure as the town continues to grow into the future.

It also considers how to reduce traffic demand and provide transport alternatives.

Mayor Susan O’Regan called for a review of the project in April, following a high level of community interest and angst about the process.

When feedback opened in March, the community was quick to voice concerns about their lack of involvement in the development of options, and the proposed location for a third bridge.

The original four-week feedback period was extended to May, and proposed bridge locations taken off the table, as a result of the strong community sentiment.

At the time of announcing the review, O’Regan said it would be an important reset for both the council, and the community, given it was a 30-year journey they would be on together.

The review report forms part of the agenda for next Tuesday’s Service Delivery Committee meeting.

Key findings include:

• During the early development and planning phases, the intended direction was endorsed by both the council and the New Zealand Transport Agency.
• The project was appropriately identified as being a business case with the types of steps normally expected.
• A range of measures would be looked at within the Cambridge transport network and this was the focus. However, a number of comments focused on the location of the third bridge, creating some diverging views on the specific nature of the information needed, and the appropriate timing of engagement for the business case and decision-making process.
• The timing and release of the option information was brought forward when the engagement was shifted by Council from a Long Term Plan to an Enhanced Annual Plan process . This potentially resulted in a ‘faster’ process with limited time for a ‘more meaningful’ engagement programme.
• There was a need for more detailed engagement planning alongside steps in the business case to help with the delivery of key messages and to reduce risk.

Transportation manager Bryan Hudson said the report highlighted several recommendations which would be implemented by staff as the project progressed.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the committee will consider community feedback and key themes before making a decision on how to proceed with the business case. If approval is given for it to progress, the business case could be completed by December this year.

There would be further opportunities for the community to have their say before it is submitted to the New Zealand Transport Agency in early 2025, seeking funding for any future steps.

Tuesday’s meeting will be livestreamed on our website bit.ly/4fJINpG