The Government is fast-tracking the Transmission Gully roading proposal by referring it to an independent board of inquiry.
Environment Minister Nick Smith says the project near Wellington has been on the cards for decades and fast-tracking it will deliver a decision within nine months.
Dr Smith says $1 billion Transmission Gully is a nationally significant roading project.
The Transport Agency, Porirua City Council and Transpower are jointly seeking approval to build the 27km inland alternative route to State Highway 1 from Linden to Mackays Crossing.
The board will be chaired by Environment Court judge Brian Dwyer.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce says the project is on track to start in 2015.
Green Party MP Sue Kedgley says bypassing the normal consent process will not allow for proper scrutiny.
Ms Kedgley says it will be viewed as a rubber-stamping process, rather than a genuine resource management process.
