Auckland Transport Media Release
23rd August 2011

Auckland Transport unveils new K ‘Road bus shelters

The new Karangahape Road bus shelters were officially unveiled this morning at a dawn ceremony that saw the successful completion of Auckland Transport’s $2.1 million project.

The previous bus shelters which were built in 1970 have been replaced by a fresh open-style structure designed by Opus Architecture. The new design optimises views from the overbridge and will be easier to clean and maintain.

Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development played a key part in the project with a generous contribution of $300,000. The overbridge is a key part of the Rugby World Cup (RWC 2011) Fan Trail, part of the official transport plan for Eden Park during RWC 2011.

Chief Executive for Auckland Transport, David Warburton this morning acknowledged the support of ATEED along with the K ‘Road Business Association. “K ‘Road is one of Auckland’s most famous roads and it’s important that it looks its best, particularly with RWC 2011 less than three weeks away.”

“A large number of people walked, if not the whole way at least part of the way to the way to the Bledisloe Cup game at Eden Park a few weeks ago and we know our international visitors are well used to walking to matches in their own countries, so between walking and catching the bus here, K’ Road residents can expect a fair few more people in their neighbourhood shortly.”

The design includes new safety screens and a canopy along the length of the bridge. Additionally, bus shelters were built with new seating areas and improved lighting.

Renowned Tongan artist, Filipe Tohi, was commissioned by the K ‘Road Business Association to design decals (removable transfers) for the light poles on the overbridge. The business association has adopted Tonga as their ‘second team’ for RWC 2011. ’Because the decals are removable, other artists will be able to showcase their work in the future.

The bus shelter replacement project, which began early in June, was more cost-effective than upgrading the existing shelters because of ongoing maintenance costs. The previous shelters had outlived their shelf live by more than 15 years.

ENDS

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