Wellington City Council has voted by the narrowest of margins to ask the Transport Agency for a tunnel instead of a flyover to ease congestion around the Basin Reserve cricket ground.
The motion backing an underground tunnel from Buckle Street to the Mt Victoria Tunnel was passed eight votes to seven on Thursday.
Some councillors had suggested an option using both a tunnel and a flyover, but mayor Celia Wade-Brown said if one was in place there was no need for the other.
The Transport Agency had proposed two flyover options - one closer to the cricket ground costing at least $75 million, and the other further away at a cost of $90 million.
The decision on Thursday decision goes against council advice, which recommended the flyover option closest to the Basin Reserve.
The underground tunnel could cost between $145 million and $280 million.
Ms Wade-Brown believes this option is the best fit for the area and will start lobbying the Government for it.
"I'm saying the Government should look for the money because otherwise they are just ignoring the capital city and I hope it's not because they don't have any electorate members here."
How councillors voted
For: Justin Lester, Bryan Pepperell, Helene Ritchie, Iona Pannett, Stephanie Cook, Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, Andy Foster and Paul Eagle.
Against: Ray Ahipene-Mercer, Ngaire Best, Jo Coughlan, Leonie Gill, Ian McKinnon, Simon Marsh and John Morrison.
