Cambridge wants a third bridge, less congestion and to keep the town beautiful as it grows.

Thank you so much for the huge response we received to questions about the future of Cambridge transport. We had 254 pieces of feedback from the community, as well as consultation with mana whenua, and input from the Community Reference Group.

“It’s testament to our community spirit that we’ve received so much thoughtful feedback in this first stage of Cambridge Connections,’ said executive director Katie Mayes. “There’s a lot of expertise in our community, and the key themes that have emerged are hugely valuable in informing Elected Members as they make decisions.”

"There was a strong desire to maintain the village feel as the town grows."

We heard loudly and clearly that you want a third bridge, with 58 percent of respondents mentioning it - and you want it sooner rather than later. This is closely linked to concerns about congestion, mentioned by 50 percent, along with the need to ease freight pressure and provide transport routes that free up the town centre.

Protecting Cambridge’s unique character came through strongly, with many valuing the people-friendly town centre, leafy streets and vibrant shops. There was a strong desire to maintain the village feel as the town grows.

There was also widespread support for a greater variety of transport options, including bus routes in town, walking, cycling and accessible options for all ages, stages and abilities.

“We’ve heard the community’s call to keep Cambridge connected, beautiful, safe, and accessible for all,” said Mayes.

Here’s what you said …

Here’s what you said …

We heard loudly and clearly that you want a third bridge, with 58 percent of respondents mentioning it - and you want it sooner rather than later. This is closely linked to concerns about congestion, mentioned by 50 percent, along with the need to ease freight pressure and provide transport routes that free up the town centre.

Protecting Cambridge’s unique character came through strongly, with many valuing the people-friendly town centre, leafy streets and vibrant shops. There was a strong desire to maintain the village feel as the town grows.

There was also widespread support for a greater variety of transport options, including bus routes in town, walking, cycling and accessible options for all ages, stages and abilities.

“We’ve heard the community’s call to keep Cambridge connected, beautiful, safe, and accessible for all,” said Mayes.

Next steps

Cambridge Connections is building a business case to seek funding from the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Feedback received so far will inform the first step in this process, which is to define key transport ‘problems and benefits’, to meet NZTA requirements. In December, Elected Members will decide on the ‘problem statements’ as part of the strategic case, and the first stage of the business case will be complete!