30 August 2005

PM gets latest Auckland Western Corridor project underway

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Transport Minister Pete Hodgson today got the latest project in Auckland's western roading corridor underway, the $169 million Mt Roskill extension to state highway 20.

The four lane, four kilometre extension includes a dedicated busway, cycleways, and enabling works for rail. It is scheduled for completion in 2009.

"This is a key part of completing Auckland's strategic roading network. Our government is committed to sorting out Auckland's transport infrastructure and key projects such as the region's Western Ring Route in particular," Helen Clark said.

The Western Ring Route will provide an alternative route across the City from Manukau, via the Southwestern Motorway (SH20), the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) and the Upper Harbour Corridor (SH18.)

Pete Hodgson said three weeks ago, Transit New Zealand announced how $390 million more over the next four years on state highways was to be spent.

“This funding injection is especially significant for Auckland. An extra $280 million over and above the previously announced funding, has been allocated for Auckland over the next four years for its state highways. This will help advance projects for the Western Ring Route which links Albany to Manukau via an alternative to State Highway 1.

“Much of it is being used to accelerate other Western Ring Route projects such as $178 million Hobsonville Deviation, the $184 million Manukau Harbour crossing and the $1.15 billion Avondale extension to SH20."

"In 1999/00 major Auckland transport projects with a total value of $130 million were underway. Last year, by the same criterion, the figure was $1.3 billion. This represents a quantum leap by Labour in funding the roading and public transport systems which Auckland needs," Helen Clark and Pete Hodgson said.

ENDS

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