Manukau Rail Link Plans Still On Track

Contrary to a recent comment in the NZ Herald, the planned Manukau Rail Link has not been “shelved” and the project planning is continuing, Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says.

The Manukau Rail Link will be a 1.8km connection between the existing Main Trunk Line at Wiri and a station at Manukau City Centre. The project will built at the same time as the new motorway road which will run parallel to it. Over the next five years state highway 20 is to be extended from the end point of the existing route, at Puhinui Road in Papatoetoe, through Wiri to Manukau City Centre. It will join highway one beside the Telstra Clear Events Centre. Earthworks for both projects will be done concurrently.

The $40 million cost of the Manukau Rail Link will be shared between On Track ($30 millon), Manukau City Council ($3.2 million) and Infrastructure Auckland ($6.8 million).

Sir Barry Curtis says planning for the Rail Link is continuing and the project is an essential part of the upgrade of the regional rail service. “People are already clambering to use the improved train service, with passenger usage up 70 per cent, and I expect that will continue.

“The new link is needed to provide for the upcoming growth at Manukau City Centre. Soon there’ll be many more businesses, apartments and a larger resident population. There’ll also be more shopping and entertainment options, especially around the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre on Great South Road, which will a vibrant hub of entertainment and shopping.

“Wiri and the Auckland International Airport business zone will also continue to grow as centres of business and employment. So the new Rail Link is an essential part of transport planning for the whole area, as well as help meet the transport needs of the 40,000 people who’ll be living in nearby Flat Bush within the next decade.

“Planning for the new railway line has definitely not been put on hold.”

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