24 June 2004

Two major Auckland transport projects approved

Two of Auckland's major transport projects costing over $300 million have today been approved for funding by Transfund New Zealand.

The decision means Transit New Zealand can now proceed with the two projects which extend State Highway 20 - the $152 million Mt Roskill extension and the $157 million Manukau extension.

The Mt Roskill extension project comprises construction of a 4km length of predominantly four-lane motorway beginning at the current SH20/Queenstown Road interchange and ending with a new roundabout and links with Maioro Street and Sandringham Road.

The Manukau extension comprises construction of a 4km length of four-lane motorway between State Highway 1 at Manukau City and the SH20 Puhinui interchange, at the eastern access to Auckland International Airport.

Board chair Dr Jan Wright says the Board was pleased to be able to fund these two projects as they make huge progress towards completion of Auckland's Western Ring Road.

"The Mt Roskill project improves access from the western isthmus and Waitakere to SH20 and the motorway system, while the Manukau extension provides an alternative route for those travelling between Manukau and south of Manukau to the northern and western areas of Auckland."

Dr Wright says both projects support other modes of transport and are linked to other initiatives.

They both include high quality walking and cycling facilities and are being built to allow future development of rail tracks alongside the motorways.

Auckland City Council will be altering bus priority measures and making adjustments to local roads.

The Manukau extension and the new road linking Liverpool St and Nesdale Avenue being built by Manukau City Council both support development plans the council has for the Manukau city centre.

In their report to the Board, Transfund officers noted Transit's intention to secure agreement from the relevant local authorities to work with Transit to ensure the benefits of the projects are sustained over the long term, possibly through use of tolling or road pricing.

ENDS

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