31 July 2009
 
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
 
 
Less port-related traffic on local roads
 
There is less port-related traffic on local roads today than five years ago, according to new research released by Ports of Auckland.
 
At a breakfast meeting this morning the port’s engineering consultancy BECA briefed local transport officials, shipping lines and freight companies on two recent research projects.
 
One study surveyed the impact of port-related traffic on local roads.  The other used Auckland Regional Council and New Zealand Transport Agency data to model predicted travel times on key freight routes.
 
Ports of Auckland Managing Director Jens Madsen said the percentage of trucks using local arterials in the eastern suburbs to reach the port had reduced from 17% on 2004 to 7%, thanks primarily to the Grafton Gully and Central Motorway Junction developments.
 
Mr Madsen said the number of trucks on Kepa Road, a well-known shortcut, had reduced by 120 trucks per day.
 
“A lot of investment has gone into Auckland’s roads in recent years and this research shows that it is paying off – for the community and for the business sector.”
 
Mr Madsen said the research also set to rest a myth that congestion on Auckland’s road network would constrain long-term growth at Ports of Auckland.
 
“By 2021, if key Auckland road projects proceed, congestion on key freight routes servicing the port will not be significantly worse than today,” Mr Madsen said.
 

“However, further progress on key road projects is critical.  We will only get the full benefits of the money that has already been spent on the region’s roads once the strategic road network is fully complete.”
 
“News that the Government is accelerating the Victoria Park tunnel project is extremely positive.  We look forward to the advancement of the Waterview Connection and Grafton Gully Stage 3.”
 
However, Mr Madsen said road transport could not work effectively in isolation from other transport modes.
 
“We need better integration between road, rail, air and shipping.  The global trend to hub and spoke shipping will drive increased volumes on road and rail, as well as coastal shipping.  It is likely that direct international shipping services to the smaller regional ports will decrease.”
 
Mr Madsen said the company was developing its Wiri Inland Port, which is near SH1, SH20 and Auckland International Airport, as an intermodal freight hub.
 
A rail exchange at the inland port is under construction and will be completed by the end of 2009
 
“Ultimately we believe trucking companies will see benefits in basing their transport networks off the inland port as opposed to the seaport.”
 
“We also believe that there is an opportunity for rail to play a much larger role in freight transport both in the Auckland region and nationally.”
 
ENDS
 

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