Grenada gateway finally opens

A new and long-awaited road linking Grenada Village to the Porirua-Wellington motorway will be officially opened this weekend.

The 900-metre link road is expected to save motorists' time and travel costs, and should significantly speed up emergency response times to the area.

First planned about 15 years ago, the $1.5 million road took a year to build and has been jointly paid for by Wellington City Council and Lincolnshire Farms Ltd.

The extension links Mark Avenue with Westchester Drive East and gives Grenada Village and Paparangi residents access to the Porirua motorway via the Churton Park interchange, rather than having to use congested Johnsonville and Newlands streets.

City councillor Hayley Wain says the road improves connections and makes the area more accessible for general traffic, public transport and emergency services.

Grenada Village Community Association chairman Bruce Patterson says the motorway link offers many benefits and opportunities for the future.

"Additional access to and from Grenada Village ... will enhance the value of the suburb. It may also ultimately lead to additional services and facilities being provided," he says.

The council expects Grenada Village to grow rapidly, with Wellington needing to accommodate an estimated 44,000 more people during the next 25 years.

The road will be officially opened on Saturday, October 4, by Mayor Kerry Prendergast, at the reservoir end of Mark Avenue. People are invited to walk along the new road before it is opened to traffic