Wellington’s inner city bypass project has today been approved for funding by the Transfund New Zealand Board.

The decision means Transit New Zealand can now proceed with the $38.9 million construction project.

Board chair Dr Jan Wright says the well-integrated transport strategies previously developed by the Wellington Regional Land Transport Committee and Wellington City Council have made it possible to assess the project against the Land Transport Management Act 2003 in a robust way.

“The Board is satisfied that the project and the process carried out by Transit pass the tests of the Act that apply to this project.”

In approving funding, the Board also noted the joint commitment of Transit New Zealand, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Wellington City Council to an integrated set of actions aimed at sustaining the improved level of transport performance in the inner city.

Transfund New Zealand is the government agency responsible for allocating funding toward an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable land transport system for New Zealand. It funds a range of land transport solutions based on funding applications received from Transit New Zealand, territorial authorities and regional councils.