Next step for Cambridge Connections project

The Cambridge Connections transport project is moving forward with a fresh approach, putting the Waipā community at the very heart of the plan.

The next step in the process is the appointment of a programme director, and Waipā District Council chief executive, Steph O’Sullivan, has confirmed that the announcement will be made over the next few weeks.

Cambridge Connections aims to create an integrated and sustainable transport network to support the fast-growing town over the next 30 years. Mayor Susan O'Regan announced an independent review of the project in April last year, following public concerns over the processes taken.

In November O’Sullivan announced a reset, focusing on reconnecting with the community and bringing in a new programme director to lead the way.

“We took the time we needed for an internal reset. As the new chief executive, it was important for me to really understand all of the issues before we moved forward, and we didn’t want to rush because it’s even more important that we get this right.

“While getting the best person to lead the project has taken a bit longer than we thought, we’re nearly ready to announce who that person will be and what the next steps will look like.”

O’Sullivan said once the right team is in place, the community and the Council can feel confident moving forward together. “We’re essentially going back to the drawing board,” she said.

“We’ll be revisiting everything – how we engage with the community, the assumptions we made, the methods we used, and the traffic modelling. It’s not just about a third bridge and where that might be – it’s about the broader picture for connecting Cambridge, and a critical part of the wider district and inter-regional connections.”

With so many changes happening in how people live, work, play and get around, O’Sullivan said it was vital to stay ahead of the curve as the project progresses.

For more information on the project, visit waipadc.govt.nz/cambridgeconnections.