Auckland Business Forum chairman Michael Barnett

25 May 2011

This is great and exciting news for Auckland.

The Waterview connection has been under investigation since 2000, and the western ring route under construction in various stages over the past 45 years.

Today’s draft decision by the Board of Inquiry to grant NZTA consent to construct the Waterview Connection brings in sight closure on a long chapter in Auckland’s struggle to build a modern, fully integrated motorway network.

Auckland Business Forum chairman Michael Barnett praised the Board of Inquiry and NZTA for maintaining the timeline to enable construction to commence later this year.

“This is New Zealand’s largest construction project since the Harbour Bridge 60 years ago, and will create a lot of work and bring significant benefits to Auckland once completed.”

With completion of the Western Ring Route now firmly in sight, of which Waterview is the final section, there is increased importance for NZTA and Auckland Transport to keep their foot to the floor to progress other major projects needed to give Auckland a modern co-ordinated network.

ENDS

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