Three long-term transport packages are being presented side-by-side to Nelson residents, and the community will have four weeks to help decide which package or combination of packages they think will work best.

The exercise is part of an investigation called Nelson Future Access, aimed at identifying the best 30-year transport plan for the city.

The NZ Transport Agency, Nelson City Council, and iwi want to provide for Nelson‘s current and future transport needs and to do this have spent many months building on previous work to address changing land use, climate change, economic efficiency, safety and resilience issues on the transport network.

“We are now ready to hear from local people, and we are presenting three long-term options, each of which have an ability to allow more journeys by people into and out of Nelson, whether that‘s for those driving, walking or using public transport,” says NZTA director regional relationships Jim Harland.

“In weighing up these packages it will be important for people to think about the type of city they want, and how important issues like climate change, resilience and healthy living are to planning future transport infrastructure and services.”

Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese says while Covid-19 delayed the launch of public consultation, work has continued behind the scenes on the improvement packages.

“This project has a long history in our region, and it‘s good to see progress and clarity around three potential solutions from the NZ Transport Agency. This is Nelson‘s future, I urge everyone who lives in our Smart Little City and also those who work, or travel here frequently, to get involved with the consultation and let the NZTA know what they think about the options presented.”

From Friday 26 June to Friday 24 July, the NZTA wants to hear from the community on the improvement packages. 

The three long-term packages being presented include:

• Adding priority lanes to SH6/Rocks Road and Waimea/Rutherford;

• Widening of the coastal State Highway corridor for general traffic;

• Or, building a new inland route.

People are encouraged to check out further information on the NZTA‘s website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/nelson-future-access-project/ 

Residents can meet the team to talk more about the project at drop-in sessions organised by the NZTA:

• Saturday 11 July, 8am to 1pm, Nelson Market, Montgomery Square, Nelson.

• Wednesday 15 July, between 3pm and 7pm, Victory Community Centre, Totara Street, Nelson.

The NZTA will also have a drop-in session in Tahunanui, with the venue and time to be confirmed.