2 August 2004

Two optional routes for Eastern Corridor still under consideration

A number of important decisions have been made by Manukau City Council in planning for the Eastern Transport Corridor, although no final decision has been made about the precise route within Manukau's boundaries.

The Council is to examine further the comparative benefits of two alternative routes before making a final decision in February: firstly via Ti Rakau Drive in Pakuranga, and secondly via Allens Road in East Tamaki across the Tamaki River to Mt Wellington.

The Council is looking at the implications of all options including choosing one or both alternatives, and is examining which route should be given priority.

Previously, the Allens Road proposal was being considered as a potential long-term project only but consideration is now being given to building it sooner.

The fast-growing East Tamaki industrial area is expected to continue growing and to become the biggest industrial and employment zone on the Auckland region. A new southern motorway interchange to improve access to the area is already being planned, with construction due to start later this year. The Waiouru interchange will be built close by the Otara power station and is due for completion in two years.

There are also plans to greatly improve public transport. However research indicates that even with those improvements and a new interchange another road route will be needed to handle traffic growth in the East Tamaki area.

Auckland City Council recently confirmed the route within its boundaries and Manukau has endorsed that route including preference for a Hobson Bay crossing ahead of a Parnell tunnel.

Manukau City has also made the following decisions about the route within its boundaries:

" The Farm Cove option is now discarded.

" As regards the Ti Rakau Drive option, alternatives to a proposed Reeves Road flyover in Pakuranga will be examined in order to lessen the impact on the local community.

" No land will be taken for bus lanes or cycle facilities and that the area required for buses and cycles be accommodated within the existing road area on the following sections of the route:

o on Pakuranga Road between Ti Rakau Drive and the Panmure Bridge where it is planned to remove two lanes of general traffic.

o along the section of Te Irirangi Drive within which a ten metre wide median exists.

" The Council is to approach the Auckland Regional Council (and/or the Auckland Regional Transport Authority) to progress passenger transport service plans and funding.

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says getting the route right is essential and that is why no final decision will be taken until all the research is done and a thorough analysis is completed.

"I can understand that property owners would like certainty about whether or not they will be affected, but we cannot provide that as yet. However each stage of the planning process takes us closer.

"There is a well-established process for purchases and Manukau City Council is continually buying properties for many purposes such as creating parks, building roads, storm water facilities and expanding parking areas."

ENDS

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