MEDIA STATEMENT
20 May 2004

Faster Trips From Bridge To City

Bus commuters traveling over the harbour bridge from the North Shore will get to Auckland city faster than ever before thanks to Infrastructure Auckland’s (IA’s) latest grant.

IA has awarded a grant of $3.6 million to Auckland City Council today, towards a $14.9 million project that will see Fanshawe St widened, and dedicated two-way, 24 hour bus lanes added.

An estimated increase of 1.2 million trips per year along the route and crucial time savings for both cars and buses are key benefits of the project.

“The route links up with another IA funded project, the North Shore Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, contributing to a regional approach to transport funding and implementation that is consistent with the Regional Land Transport Strategy,” says John Robertson, IA Chairman.

“It is vital that regionally integrated projects such as this one are identified, funded, and implemented quickly to help address Auckland’s growing transport problems.

“The Fanshawe Street widening project is a good example of the region working together to achieve a positive outcome for Auckland commuters,” he says.

The grant recipient is Auckland City. However, North Shore and Rodney commuters will also be key beneficiaries of the project. When the Busway is complete it is expected that 120 buses per hour will use the road during morning ‘rush hour’ traffic.

As well as widening for permanent bus lanes and bus priority measures, the project will also make general traffic and pedestrian improvements such as new lighting, paved pathways, crossings, bus shelters and better access to Victoria Park and Viaduct Harbour.

Ends.

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