Western Corridor Project

Intro

We have recently undertaken a study to help us decide whether Waipā District Council will keep the existing Western Arterial designation (DN154) for a future transport corridor in Te Awamutu.

Background

We have set aside land on the western side of Te Awamutu for a new road corridor. The designation was put in place in 2006 for a new road. Over time we have bought properties and there’s more yet to be purchased as necessary.

The existing Te Awamutu Western Arterial designation is set to expire after February 2032. When we originally identified and designated the area, the western arterial presented a strong solution to the identified heavy vehicle through traffic problems in Te Awamutu at the time. Over the past 15 years, we have identified current costs accruing for maintenance of the designation and, in light of changing travel through the town, insufficient justification for a high-cost future western arterial road.

We also recognised the need for an urgent decision in 2021 on whether to keep the designation and an updated plan for the designation and land held within the Waipā District Council. WSP was then engaged by us to develop a business case and to look at the corridor and investigate whether the corridor is necessary to keep protecting it for a new road in the future.

Council engaged engineering consultancy firm WSP to undertake the study.

Vision

Our vision is to create a vibrant, liveable town centre, and a safe, sustainable transport network that works for Te Awamutu and Kihikihi now, and in the future.

Reasons for the study:

Specifically, the study considers whether the Western Arterial Road will be required in the future or whether some other investment might provide a better outcome for future transport needs.

The business case has two main objectives:

Primary objective: On completion of this project we will have sufficient information to make a well-reasoned decision for uplift (removal), retention or alteration to the existing designation DN154 for the Te Awamutu Western Arterial Road.

Secondary objective: To recommend long term affordable improvements to the strategic transport network that improves the accessibility, liveability and economic wellbeing of Te Awamutu and Kihikihi.

On this basis, our business case covers:

• A determination as to whether the Te Awamutu Western Arterial designation can contribute to achievable and useful transportation improvements for Te Awamutu, including feasible sub-options, staging and likely funding scenarios that could be implemented over time that support the investment objectives.
• The likely cost estimate of Western Arterial as designated, including any additional land requirements for the route, and
• Cost estimates and cashflows of additional programme options.

The case for change:

• The Western Arterial designation has become unclear in how we can use it but is accumulating costs.
• We still have transport issues on the network, but these are no longer constrained to heavy vehicle impacts.
• Our residents still find the main roads in Te Awamutu and Kihikihi to be a barrier to non-car use.
• Te Awamutu and Kihikihi are actively growing, with new emphasis on local active mode solutions and travel behaviour change.

Solution

The study also found that there are opportunities to make a difference to the transport network now to improve our community’s experience.

• In the short-term, we’ll be making safety improvements and roading upgrades to make the roads work better for all modes of transport throughout Te Awamutu and Kihikihi.
• There are transport issues on the network, but these are no longer constrained to heavy vehicle impacts.
• People who use streets for cycling, wheeling and walking would be made to feel safer if the streets were more user-friendly in the long term.

Feedback

For more information about this project visit waipadc.govt.nz/major-projects.