East-West Connection vital for Auckland

27 January 2016

East-West Connection vital for Auckland

The Government’s intention to fast-track the consent process for the East-West Connection roading project is good news for the Auckland freight industry, says Road Transport Forum Chief Executive Ken Shirley.

“We have long advocated for the East-West Connection as a critical piece of infrastructure to free up freight movement around Auckland,” says Shirley. “It is a top priority for the industry and it is good to see the Government recognises that.”

The Onehunga-Penrose corridor is a critical industrial and manufacturing hub of national significance that has suffered from chronic traffic congestion for many years, impeding the vital movement of freight.

“The Government’s intention to get through the consent process as quickly as possible and begin construction in 2018 provides a new level of optimism for freight operators and their customers.”

“It is also pleasing that early work on widening State Highway 20 between Neilson St and Queenstown Rd has been announced to begin later this year.”

“While the Road Transport Forum and our members are happy with today’s announcement, we will be keeping a close eye on progress,” Mr Shirley says. “Auckland freight operators and the businesses they service cannot afford any delays.”

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