Media Release
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Transit New Zealand
Regional Office
Media Release
1 July 2008
Transit releases Consultation Report on Timaru Transportation Study
Transit New Zealand (Transit) and the Timaru District Council will be working closely with Evans Street businesses and residents to address concerns outlined in the Timaru Transportation Study’s Consultation Summary Report released this week.
Transit and the Timaru District Council recently called for feed-back in response to the Timaru Transportation Study and the results are collated in the Consultation Summary Report.
The Transportation Study proposes a transport strategy designed to cope with the projected growth in transport activity through Timaru. It includes options for the greater use of rail for freight and further development of the public transport, walking and cycling network. The study also looked at improvements to the state highways that will remain a vital piece of transport infrastructure for Timaru.
Transit regional transportation manager, Michael Blyleven says, “the purpose of the public consultation was to gain public input into the proposals and seek to identify the issues, constraints and opportunities to minimise the impacts of the proposed upgrade to the highway along Evans Street.
“Those in support of the proposed upgrade of Evans Street recognised the recent and potential growth in Timaru and support the need to protect the function of the state highway. Those against have concerns including road widening, increased noise levels and threats to local business and increasing heavy vehicle traffic.
“Results of a phone survey conducted by the Timaru District Council revealed that over 70% of people interviewed agreed that Evans Street has become too congested. The consultation has clarified issues that are important to the residents of Timaru, especially those directly affected by any proposed works. Clearly these must be addressed in future improvements,” says Michael Blyleven
“We appreciate the time people have taken to participate and the feedback we have received will help us to better identity possible solutions.”
A full copy of the Consultation Summary Report is available on the Transit website at www.transit.govt.nz/planning/consultation.jsp or at the Timaru District Council offices.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Michael Blyleven
Transit’s regional transportation manager – Christchurch Regional Office
Tel 64 3 372 1826
Fax 03 3656576
Mob 021 435 674
Michael.Blyleven@transit.govt.nz