CTC gets the green light for rapid transport link

Auckland City Council will next month call for tenders to begin construction of the Central Transit Corridor (CTC), following today’s agreement at the Transport and Urban Linkages Committee to proceed with the council’s biggest public transport initiative since Britomart.

The CTC will create a dedicated and quicker bus route, reducing peak hour journey times by up to 14 minutes. The corridor will provide a rapid busway, linking the CBD with Newmarket via Grafton Bridge, and connecting to the new Northern Busway. The route has also been proofed for light rail.

The main corridor is ready for construction, following a detailed design assessment, including an urban design review. The review has enhanced the initial design, incorporating improved safety, convenience and attractiveness of the route. Improved safety measures such as raised pedestrian crossings and new street lighting, and the upgrade of footpaths and street furniture will create a pleasant and effective route for the varied needs of the 65,000 weekday bus users.

Today’s committee also requested that the route should incorporate ducting facilities to allow the CTC to act as a ‘technology corridor’. Additionally, the committee wants the council to consider using existing tunnels under Albert Park as transport links, creating pedestrian connections between the CTC and the University.

The cost of implementing the improvements to the design, the necessary structural upgrade of Grafton Bridge, and general construction has increased from the range of $21.8 million to $25.5 million in 2003, to the current estimate of between $42.7 million and $46.1 million.

Transport and Urban Linkages Committee chairperson, Councillor Richard Simpson, said the provision of sustainable transport choices is an important focus for the council and the CTC is a key element in realising that vision.

“The CTC will not only link the commercial hubs of our city, but some of Auckland’s most important facilities like the Domain, the University of Auckland and the Auckland City Hospital. This is the first time any major work will have taken place on Grafton Bridge since its construction nearly 100 years ago, so I am delighted to be part of this fundamental development.

If we want to build a great city for Aucklander’s and visitors to enjoy, we need to create better transport choices that provide real opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists, and all users of road and rail in our city.”

University of Auckland Registrar Tim Greville says the CTC is an important development that will improve the way students and staff move around the busy sectors of the campus.

“We are pleased the council is committed to providing this necessary sustainable transport link, and happy to be involved in its development.”

The tender process will begin next month, and work on the corridor is likely to begin from July.

ENDS

© Scoop Media