Nearly $1 million was spent on consultant fees to investigate Wellington’s long tunnel.: Wellington tunnel investigation-Consultant fees for Wellington tunnel

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National is exploring the possibility of a 4km tunnel underneath Wellington, with nearly $1 million already spent on consultants for the investigation. The Minister of Transport suggests an additional $550,000 may be needed to complete the work. This initiative comes after National promised to start construction on a second Mt Victoria tunnel, aiming to reduce travel times and improve safety for road users. The long tunnel option aligns with priorities in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport, focusing on reduced congestion, enhanced regional connectivity, and improved urban amenity. Funding options, including public-private partnerships and tolls, are being considered for the project.

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National’s Promise of a Second Mt Victoria Tunnel and Wellington’s Long Tunnel Investigation

In a move that has sparked controversy and raised eyebrows, nearly $1 million has already been spent on consultants to investigate a 4km tunnel underneath Wellington. The Minister of Transport, Simeon Brown, has indicated that a further $550,000 may be needed to complete the work. This investigation comes in the wake of National’s promise to have shovels in the ground for a second Mt Victoria tunnel within its first term.

Last month, it was revealed that a consultant and contractor were assisting NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) in looking into a long tunnel that would bypass the city. The costs of these contracts were deemed commercially sensitive by NZTA, citing privacy concerns for the individuals involved. However, a written parliamentary question by Labour’s transport spokesman Tangi Utikere revealed that $949,349 had been spent on consulting services for the long tunnel option as of May 24.

Brown has stated that NZTA expects to spend between $1.3 million and $1.5 million to complete the investigation, funded through the National Land Transport Fund. This expenditure has come under fire, with critics pointing out that National had promised to end what they termed as Labour’s “gravy train” of consultant spending. Moreover, as NZTA staff face job cuts as part of government austerity measures, the hefty price tag of the investigation has drawn criticism.

Utikere expressed his disbelief at the cost of investigating a project that National did not campaign on, labeling it as irresponsible spending. He emphasized the government’s commitment to building a second Mt Victoria tunnel, questioning the need for such a significant investment in a project that was not a priority.

The investigation into the long tunnel option is seen as a step towards providing faster travel times in the Wellington region, particularly to the airport. The long tunnel could potentially reduce travel times by up to 15 minutes compared to existing tunnel proposals. By bringing both the long tunnel and parallel tunnel proposals to the same standard, NZTA aims to assess the costs, benefits, and opportunities of each project.

Brown has emphasized that the long tunnel option aligns with government priorities on land transport, including reduced travel times, greater resilience along the State Highway 1 corridor, and improved safety for road users. Additionally, the long tunnel could lead to better urban amenity through the reallocation of road space to active modes of transport and public transport in the city center.

The investigation also involves exploring funding and financing options for the tunnel, which could include a public-private partnership, tolls, and value capture. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that the chosen option reduces congestion, improves connectivity, and enhances safety for all road users in the Wellington region.

In conclusion, the investigation into Wellington’s long tunnel presents an opportunity to explore innovative solutions for the city’s transport challenges. While the cost of the investigation has raised concerns, the potential benefits in terms of reduced travel times, improved connectivity, and enhanced urban amenity cannot be overlooked. As the investigation progresses, stakeholders will be looking closely at the findings to determine the best path forward for Wellington’s transport infrastructure.