MEDIA RELEASE
2 April 2004

Street closed by rail corridor work

Construction starting at Easter weekend on the double tracking of the western rail line will see one of the city’s streets closed to through traffic.

Work on the $23.2 million Infrastructure Auckland funded project includes rock breaking in the George Street, Kingsland part of the rail corridor so that it can be widened.

Councillor Greg McKeown, chairperson of Auckland City’s Transport Committee, says the council fully supports the development of an integrated public transport system, based around rapid rail transit.

Mr McKeown says the council is happy to support the project’s leader, the Auckland Regional Council, as it starts the largest rail line construction scheme to be undertaken in Auckland since the 1960s.

Safety measures and the need for construction vehicles to access the site at the rail crossing, means George Street will be closed to through traffic during Easter and until the school holidays finish on Monday, 26 April.

Residents and businesses will still be able to access their properties, but only from roads connecting to their side of the rail crossing. Properties north of the rail line will need to be accessed from New North Road, while properties immediately south of the line will need to be accessed from Charles Street.

Information on alternative routes will be made available on Auckland City’s web site (www.aucklandcity.govt.nz), while inquiries about construction activity in the rail corridor can be made by phoning (09) 968 3250.

Mr McKeown says the council will consult with the community about the effects of George Street being permanently closed with a view to finding solutions for safe and convenient traffic movement in the area. That consultation will begin on Monday 26 April and close on Friday 14 May.

The council has been studying all rail crossings in the city, with a view to solving or minimising accident risk and traffic disruption issues. The study was prompted by projections for the growth in rail traffic, which brings subsequent increases in the risk of accidents at road-rail crossings and greater disruption to road traffic flows.

Ends

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