2 September 2005

Green Light For New Rail Line In Manukau

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis is welcoming the Government’s announcement of a funding package to help pay for a new two-kilometre rail link from Manukau City Cen tre to Wiri, to join up with the main trunk line.

The Government is to put $200 million into funding of two rail projects in the Auckland region, the new Manukau line and double tracking of the western route from Auckland City to Waitakere.

The regional rail upgrade is being made as a partnership between central and local government, and has already led to many improvements such as new and improved stations.

Construction of the earthworks for the Manukau link is to begin next year, and will involve the building of enabling works, bridges and embankments. The $10 million project is being funded by the ARC and Manukau City Council.

Although the upgrade has been long planned, until this week there was no confirmed source of funding to pay for new signals and the rail tracks. The details for the full costings of this second stage of the project have not yet been finalised.

But Sir Barry says the announcement means here is now certainty over funding of the second stage of the Manukau Rail Link and that is great news. As well as serving the Manukau City Centre, the rail link will provide access to rail for the rapidly developing Flat Bush area. “We are in the midst of a great leap forward in transport within the region, and the rail upgrade is going to have a big impact, with much more people realising the benefits of travelling by train.”

ENDS

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