Wellington's controversial Basin Reserve flyover not going ahead

The Basin Reserve. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Wellington's controversial Basin Reserve flyover will not go ahead.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) announced today it had decided not to appeal the High Court's ruling, which upheld a dismissal of the plan.

The agency had previously appealed a Board of Inquiry decision to throw out the proposal.

NZTA acting chief executive Jenny Chetwynd said the agency had appealed to the High Court to clarify the law applying to the process for assessments of notices of requirement for the basin bridge project, and for other infrastructure projects across the country, that arose in the context of the Board of Inquiry's decision on the basin bridge proposal.

"We have listened to and considered the High Court's decision, and we accept its findings.

"We will not be appealing this decision, as the High Court's decision provides useful clarification on a number of points of law for future infrastructure projects.

"This clarity will be valuable when we, and other infrastructure providers, are preparing for future projects."

Ms Chetwynd said the High Court ruling meant the project would not proceed as the agency did not have the required approvals.

She said NZTA was committed to working together with the community and local councils to spark new conversations and ideas about the best way forward for delivering vital transport improvements for the capital.

Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown said there was now an opportunity to explore better transport options at the Basin Reserve.

"In not appealing, NZTA have made the right decision and we will work with them, the Greater Wellington Regional Council and Wellingtonians to create a long term solution including better public transport, urban cycleways, walking and heritage," she said.

"There are a number of opportunities to smooth the flow of traffic and make some time savings.

"Based on the success of the Pukeahu National War Memorial underpass, trenching could be an attractive solution."