The Strategic Case
We have now completed the first piece of work on the Nelson Southern Link investigation – The Strategic Case. This work has identifies the problems the Nelson arterial roading network is facing and the outcomes we want potential solutions to meet. This is the foundation for the business case process, which we use to develop our projects, including the projects identified in the Government’s Accelerated Regional Roading Package.
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Click here if you would like further information on this process.
The Strategic Case, which is agreed to by key stakeholders at this high level stage, is one of the earliest parts of our work and looks to understand the issues. In the case of the Nelson Southern Link, the Strategic Case considers Nelson’s arterial transport needs, identifies a clear problem(s) and determines if they justify investment. A programme of improvements or options is what occurs in the next stage of the business case process – the Programme Business Case.
What the Strategic Case says
The Strategic Case for the Nelson Southern Link investigation has identified two key problems for Nelson’s arterial routes - congestion and accessibility. Peak hour congestion on Nelson’s two arterial routes is causing travel delays, while a lack of accessibility on SH6 Rocks Road is limiting walking and cycling opportunities in Nelson.
By successfully addressing these issues on Nelson’s arterial routes a number of potential benefits can be achieved. The primary benefits are:
- Reduced journey times
- Contribute to Nelson and regional economic growth and productivity
- Improved community safety and wellbeing and
- Improved tourism and recreation activities.
You can view a copy of the Strategic Case here.
Now that the Strategic Case has been completed and it has confirmed the project should progress to the next phase, the next step for the Nelson Southern Link investigation will be to carry out a Programme Business Case. This is where we develop and discuss a programme of improvements, including one or more options, to potentially address Nelson’s arterial route needs and the needs of the people using those routes.
A key part of this process is engagement with local communities, business, stakeholders and the general public. We expect to engage with local communities, businesses and the wider public early next year on this part of the process to develop the Programme Business Case. We want your thoughts on these options because community input is vital to informing the decisions that are made. When the time comes, please take part. Your feedback will be an important factor in our considerations before we advise the Government on the outcomes of our investigations next year.