Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

New central Wellington road plan considered

Updated at 12:44 pm on 22 September 2011

The Transport Agency is considering an alternative design to the controversial flyover proposed beside the Basin Reserve cricket ground in Wellington.

Of the 2121 submitters, 592 expressed an interest in other designs, and in particular a plan called Option X drawn up by the Architectural Centre in Wellington.

This option would put SH1 in a cut and cover tunnel from Taranaki Street to the Basin Reserve and extend the War Memorial Park over the top of it.

The agency's state highway manager for Wellington, Rod James, says he has been working with the Architectural Centre on the viability of the plan, which could cost up to $165 million.

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says the majority of city councillors support the alternative roading design.

She says it is a better fit for the city because the area encompasses the War Memorial Park, Government House and the city's oldest cricket ground.

Ms Wade-Brown says the council will make an official submission early next month.

Other proposals for tunnels have been rejected on the grounds of cost.

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