Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Protest in Wellington against proposed flyover

Updated at 5:43 am on 26 September 2011

A protest to stop a proposed flyover at the Basin Reserve in Wellington drew about 60 supporters on Sunday afternoon, despite heavy rain.

Save the Basin Reserve campaign convenor Kent Duston, says the flyover is poorly designed and compromises the cricket ground and nearby National War Memorial.

Mr Duston says the project will cost about $600 million, but will generate only about half that amount in economic value.

Another plan, known as Option X, was designed by Wellington's Architectural Centre, and has been gaining support among the city's political leaders.

The Transport Agency has said it will now consider the alternative after widespread support in public submissions.

Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson and Green Party candidate James Shaw, who were at the protest, both endorse Option X and have pledged more public transport.

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