What will the proposed Expressway look like?

The expressway will cross Poplar Ave, passing between Te Ra and Rauamti South schools

The proposed expressway will pass across Poplar Ave, close to Te Ra School, and will then pass next to the lower field of Rauamti South school. If the expressway is raised, then the sound of traffic will be a constant disturbance to both pupils of the schools and local residents. The expressway will be lit throughout the night and will be visible to many Raumati residents.


Note that there are no on-ramps or off-ramps from the Expresway onto Poplar Ave. The road is not designed to provide connectivity within Kapiti for local residents, but to provide a faster route through Kapiti for traffic - especially large trucks.


What is the Sustainable Option?

This site came into existence as a result of a local roading issue in Kapiti caused by the Government's "Roads of National Significance" policy. The Tranport Minister, Steven Joyce, plans to create an Expessway through the heart of Kapiti and reduce subsidy for rail. This is not simply a local issue for Kapiti; it is a national issue. The Sustainable Option proposes a solution for Kapiti which includes the two-lane Western Link road, but also a national policy that incorporates rail as part of an environmentally sound strategy. The Government seems committed to reducing subsidies for rail, and putting bigger and heavier trucks on our roads. The Government is promoting the increase of truck weights from 44 tonnes to 53 tonnes, which requires massive investment in not only building more roads to accomodate these larger trucks, but also the strengthing of many of New Zealand's bridges. (Click


What Do We Want?

We want to solve Kapiti's traffic congestion problems now and in the future.

The Sustainable Option promotes:

  • The bulding of the Western Link as a local, two lane road with walkways and cycleways
  • The upgrading of State Highway One
  • Rail as a viable alternative for freight and commuters


    • What Can You Do?

    Get informed: visit www.westernlink.co.nz KCDC website and see their statistics and evidence supporting no need for a motorway/expressway. www.kapitiindepenantnews.co.nz and blog sites on the issues, if you leave a blog please be positive and don't get personal.

    Once you are more informed: GET ACTIVE!!!

    Write a letter to the editor of local papers and Dominion Post. It pays to be brief or it may be abridged. Once again please state your case positively and with respect for others.

    Contact your elected representatives, local and national, by email, letter, phone or in person explaining how you feel and ask any relevant questions. Public opinion is taken into consideration and can be very powerful. It is also good to support local councillors who you feel are promoting the option you prefer.

    Relevent ministers:
    Nathan Guy, local MP
    Phone: (04) 817 6821
    Email: n.guy@ministers.govt.nz

    Steven Joyce, Transport Minister
    Phone: (04) 817 6813
    Email: s.joyce@ministers.govt.nz

    Mail / Post: Freepost Parliament,
    Private Bag 18 888, Parliament Buildings
    Wellington 6160