6 November 2017

Southern Connections Stage 2 – have your say

Designs for exciting new bus, cycling and walking facilities for the area between Otahuhu and Sylvia Park are now out for public feedback. Auckland Transport is looking for community feedback to develop a more detailed plan, with public consultation open until 26 November.

The Southern Connections project consists of three stages, which will eventually provide improved connections between Mangere, Otahuhu Station, and Sylvia Park.

Stage 1 includes upgraded bus stations on Mangere and Avenue Roads, a new shared path, T3 transit/truck lanes and upgraded bus stops on Walmsley Road, and a T2 transit lane and upgraded bus stops on Atkinson Avenue.

Stage 2 upgrades along Mount Wellington Highway, Meadow Street, Church Street and Avenue Road will provide safe, accessible facilities along most of the route between Otahuhu Station and Sylvia Park, for public transport users, pedestrians and cyclists. These include a new frequent bus route (which forms part of the Southern New Network), transit lanes, and improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

Stage 3 will include upgraded facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users along Massey Road and Mangere Road.

Once the Southern Connections Stage 2 project is complete, these developments will provide those in the area with safe, reliable transport options to and from town centres and Otahuhu Station. Stage 3 will provide links to public facilities such as Middlemore Hospital. The improvements will be funded by Auckland Transport and the NZ Transport Agency.

Delivery Manager South East, Clement Reeve says, “We’re making it safer and more attractive for people to walk and cycle in the area, by providing new and upgraded facilities like bus stops, footpaths, pedestrian crossings and separated cycleways”.

Group Manager AT Metro Operations Brendon Main says, “Otahuhu is a thriving town centre, and will experience significant growth over the next 30 years. To prepare for this, we’re providing more transport options to help people move to and from other areas nearby, and get to and from Otahuhu Station. I’m looking forward to hearing community views on our proposals.”

Work on the Southern Connections Stage 2 is scheduled to begin in mid-2018.

The consultation is open until 26 November and there will be two open days to which members of the public are invited to meet the project team, provide feedback, view plans and discuss the project:

• 10am – 2pm Wednesday 15th November – Meeting Room, Otahuhu Library, 28/30 Mason Ave, Otahuhu

• 10am – 2pm Saturday 18th November – Mullins Room, Othauhu Library, 28/30 Mason Ave, Otahuhu

For more information, to view detailed plans or to provide online feedback, please visit AT.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/east-west-connections/southern-connections/.

ENDS

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