First of Three Key Traffic Studies Underway - Council and Transit New Zealand Seek Comment

Date:
Aug 29, 2006

One of three key studies that will assist in planning the future of transportation in the Queenstown Lakes District is now underway, QLDC general manger utilities Mark Kunath said.

The Wakatipu transportation study was the first of the three studies originally outlined in the Council"s Transportation and Parking Study summary document Future Link.

"The Wakatipu study is a joint initiative being undertaken by the council and Transit New Zealand. It will drill down to look at roading, parking, and public transport in the Wakatipu," Mr Kunath said.

"A joint study is necessary to ensure an effective long-term integrated transport system for Queenstown Lakes District," said Transit regional transportation manager David McGonigal.

The Wakatipu study would look at:

  • Frankton Flats internal road network.
  • State highway 6A congestion and alternative routes.
  • Public transport options including park and ride and water transport.
  • A parking strategy for Queenstown.
  • Kelvin Heights - additional routes to serve future residential development.
  • State highway 6 alternative routes: Boyd Road, perimeter of Queenstown Airport, West and East bank of Shotover River.

Data collection was now underway for the Wakatipu study, which was let to GHD Limited.

Consultation with the community was a major component of the study. The consultant would be contacting organisations and affected parties. The council and Transit were also keen to hear from the general public.

"If people have an opinion on any of the items being investigated, then we want to hear about it," Mr Kunath said.

Comments could be sent to saraht@qldc.govt.nz or completed on line at www.qldc.govt.nz or mailed to the council at Private Bag 50072, Queenstown, on or before Friday, 29 September, 2006.

Further consultation on the study would also occur at later stages of the project, with the full process due to be completed by March 2007.

The council hoped to be in a position to announce the successful tender for the other two studies, being the Wanaka Transportation and Parking Study and the Queenstown CBD Study (Melbourne, Henry, Man and Thompson Street bypass and roadway investigation) within the next two weeks.

"Both of those studies will also involve extensive public consultation," Mr Kunath said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Mark Kunath 03 441 0499.

By: Sarah