Auckland Transport Media Release

13 December 2011

New Panmure Bridge for busway and cyclists

Auckland Transport is planning to build a new Panmure Bridge for a future busway and a shared cycle/pedestrian path.

The proposed new bridge would be built on the northern side of the current one, which would remain open to provide the same number of lanes for general traffic.

It is one of the AMETI transport projects, which are aimed at dealing with congestion problems in the eastern suburbs to unlock the economic potential of the area. A strong focus is on giving people more transport choices by improving public transport, cycling and walking facilities.

Plans for the proposed new bridge, which are subject to consents and funding approvals, were shown at an AMETI information day in Panmure on Saturday which was attended by 200 to 250 people.

The new Panmure Bridge would have two busway lanes for the planned busway between Panmure, Pakuranga and Botany. It would also have a 4.3m wide shared cycle and pedestrian path, which would be separated by barriers from the busway.

All other vehicles would continue to use the current bridge.

Construction recently began on the first AMETI Panmure project, realigning Mountain Rd and replacing the bridge over the rail line

Auckland Transport Major Projects Manager Rick Walden says a new Panmure Bridge is being proposed because the existing bridge has no room for the future busway.

“The planned urban busway would run between Panmure Station, Pakuranga and Botany. To provide frequent services there needs to be dedicated lanes so buses aren’t caught in other traffic.

“Panmure Bridge is also the only place for people in the area to walk or cycle across the Tamaki River. At the moment it is unpleasant to walk and there no dedicated cycle facilities.

“A new cycle and pedestrian path would improve safety, as well as encourage more people to walk or cycle between Panmure and Pakuranga.”

The start of construction is dependent on consent and funding approvals. Auckland Transport is aiming to submit planning applications for the new bridge in mid to late 2012.

The NZ Transport Agency is a major funder of AMETI.

“AMETI easily meets our transport objectives of helping create jobs and improve economic growth by unblocking congestion to provide better and more reliable journey times for freight and people,” says the NZTA’s Regional Director for Auckland and Northland, Stephen Town.

“It is an initiative that will improve connections between communities in east Auckland for those who drive, use public transport, or prefer to walk or cycle.”

At the information day Auckland Transport also updated the community on AMETI construction works in Panmure and on plans for future AMETI projects. This includes major upgrades in the Panmure Station area, a new AMETI link road between Morrin Road in the north and Mt Wellington Highway, improvements at Panmure Roundabout and the future urban busway.

Auckland Transport will also be providing an update on plans for future AMETI transport projects. This will include plans for the new AMETI link road, improvements at Panmure Roundabout, Van Damm’s Lagoon improvements, Lagoon Drive and Panmure Bridge.

About the AMETI transport projects

The Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) is a group of transport projects for the eastern suburbs. The aim is to give people living in the area transport choices by improving public transport, walking and cycling facilities and reducing traffic congestion.

Other major aims are to unlock the economic potential of the area, improve transport for freight and business traffic and to promote good urban design

Severe congestion in the area is holding back the huge potential for economic growth in the area – there are a number of sites that could be key redevelopment sites if transport links are improved. This means there is the potential for a large number of new jobs in the area.

The population is expected to grow by 20,000 – 25,000 over the next 20 years, further increasing the pressure on the transport system

For more information go to www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/ameti

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