11 July 2005

New name heralds a new approach

The Auckland-Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative is more than a name change, agrees the council’s Transport and Urban Linkages Committee.

The transport project, formerly known as the eastern transport corridor, is set to unlock the economic growth potential in Auckland’s eastern suburbs.

A new direction has been agreed for the project between Transit New Zealand, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) and Manukau and Auckland city councils with the focus on moving people and goods, encouraging revitalisation and urban renewal.

“We are entering a new and exciting phase for the project. We have redefined the project’s scope and are looking forward to developing a transport solution that meets the needs of local communities and business,” says Councillor Richard Simpson, chairperson of the Transport and Urban Linkages Committee.

The first part of this new project is to determine how passenger transport and travel demand management can be maximised to cater for existing and future travel needs in the area.

“Defining the needs and demands will ensure we have the right questions to answer,” says Mr Simpson.

“This initiative is about achieving a transport system that provides sustainable travel choices for people, and allows better movement of freight to benefit the area’s economy. This project is about moving people and goods efficiently.
“It is not just about the private car; a greater emphasis will be on developing modern passenger transport services.

“Nevertheless there is a need to improve local roads, as well as developing passenger transport hubs that are desirable to visit and serve an important role in the community,” says Mr Simpson.

The second part of the project will confirm a preferred multi-modal option. At the end of this stage, the four project partners will each work on the detailed components of the preferred option.

“We have agreed to the two-part approach to the project as it will provide greater certainty for home owners and businesses sooner,” says Mr Simpson.

“There will be no compromise to our aspirations to revitalise the Tamaki Edge, and investigation costs will be minimised.”

While the eastern transport initiative progresses, the council will investigate local road improvements along the Tamaki Edge to support the project. One improvement project currently under review and out for community consultation is a new link road at the Mt Wellington quarry.

“We are looking to improve the connection between the Mt Wellington Quarry and Morrin Road in Glen Innes. This new road will increase access for the development underway in the wider quarry area,” says Mr Simpson

“We are committed to increasing connections by creating a transport system that accommodates different modes – a system that works for residents and businesses in the eastern suburbs.”

The eastern transport initiative, along with the completion of State Highway 20 and the Harbour Bridge to City project are critical building blocks towards developing sustainable mobility for Aucklanders by providing greater choice.

ENDS

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