Manukau Rail Link On Track

The Manukau Rail Link has been given $6.8m in funding from Infrastructure Auckland to begin enabling works as soon as possible. This means land will be developed and set aside at the same time construction work is progressed on the State Highway 20 connection to the Southern Motorway.

Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says the rail link will provide a much-needed connection from the northern trunk line to the City Centre to boost public useage of rail to and from the city.

“We’re thrilled that the rail link project is well on track. At present most of the travel to and from our City Centre, the heart of Manukau, is by road-based transport. As a Council we need to ensure that we give priority to public transport initiatives as well as the much needed road projects. The key is finding a balance,” he said.

The Mayor says while passenger transport is relatively well used, the standard of service is not good enough to significantly increase numbers travelling by train.

“We view the Manukau Rail Link as a significant commitment toward having high quality energy efficient modes of transport in Manukau City. The project will also be a major contributor to our rapidly growing population and therefore the efficiency of the City Centre as a whole,” said Sir Barry.

The Manukau Rail Link project is part of a proposed regional network of rapid transit improvements and a key component of the future rail network. The link has also been identified as a core project within Council’s strategy to redevelop the City Centre.

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