Facelift for Otara Bus Interchange and Streetscape

Preliminary work on a $2.1 million uprade to the Otara Interchange and Streetscape is due to get underway early next month.

The upgrade is a combined Auckland Transport/Auckland Council initiative which will improve safety for bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. It will also breathe new life into the surrounding area.

A new bus shelter, constructed from single steel and glass, will replace the existing structure at the corner of Newbury Street & East Tamaki Road and will cover the full length of the interchange island. New seating will also be installed to improve pedestrian flow.

A raised pedestrian thoroughfare will be installed in the interchange island providing safer pedestrian crossings. The glass on the bus shelter will also feature Pacific Island images by renowned artist Filipe Tohi. The existing stone wall at the site of the main taxi stand will be lowered to improve visibility and a new canopy will be installed.

Public space in the plaza area will be landscaped with the removal of earth mounds, new seating, a children's play area and paved areas for pedestrians.

The existing toilet block will be replaced with a modern stainless steel unit and the existing clock tower will be cleaned and painted.

Temporary bus stops will be in place (for both East and West bound buses). Pedestrians should use the pedestrian crossing on East Tamaki road at the Newbury and Bairds road intersection.

The makeover is expected to be complete by the end of June 2012.

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