The AA is pleased to see one of the main routes into the capital reopen following a fast and pragmatic response by Waka Kotahi.

State Highway 59 between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay closed on August 19 following torrential rain which brought a significant slip down over the road, and has impacted on the train line at the top of the hill as well.

Geordie Cassin, Wellington AA District Council chairman, said it had been a monumental effort by Waka Kotahi-NZ Transport Agency and its contractors to clean up tens of thousands of cubic metres of earth and debris from the Kāpiti Coast artery.

“SH59 is still a vital part of the region’s road network – not just for locals but also for road freight.”  

The road made up part of State Highway 1 until March this year when it was superseded by Transmission Gully. Waka Kotahi has reported 25% of heavy vehicle traffic in the area continues to use the old route.

Cassin was hopeful stabilisation work undertaken at the same time on the adjacent hillside would prevent future incidents at the same spot.

He said Wellingtonians had waited a long time for Transmission Gully, and it had not taken long for them to see the benefits of the $1.25 billion motorway which Wellington’s AA District Council had championed for decades.

“If we didn’t have Transmission Gully, the most significant route in and out of Wellington would have been out of action for weeks.”

The value of the new 27-kilometre road on safety, mobility and resilience could not be overstated, he said.

For more information contact:

Geordie Cassin
Wellington AA District Council Chairman
New Zealand Automobile Association
M. 027 776 9420