Auckland City Council

Three options for getting traffic moving through the Grafton Gully have been released for consultation by Transit NZ.

1. Street level improvemnet which involves widening Stanly Street to six lanes

2. Viaduct concept which would connect the motorway ramps with The Strand

Two street level options involve:
* the widening of Stanley Street, to provide a direct connection to The Strand with an underpass below the Newmarket rail line, or a separate arterial road parallel to Stanley Street with a signalised roundabout using Parnell Rise, Beach Road, Ronayne Street and The Strand.

The third option is for an elevated viaduct running down the gully, crossing above the existing roads and the rail line.

All three options include a new road linking Wellesley Street to Grafton Road.

Regional manager for Transit NZ, Terry Brown, says the viaduct would provide the least delays for motorists, and all work would be within the existing motorway designation.

It also improves safety for pedestrians and cyclists, by providing a separate route for both city and port traffic, and also provides an opportunity for improving the Stanley Street environment as does the roundabout option.

Major drawbacks are increased noise and the visual impact of the structure. If accepted, it would cost $45 million to build and $25 million to buy the land required.

The street level option, where Stanley Street is widened to six lanes, would also reduce traffic delays and increase noise in the vicinity. It would cost $45 million to build and $25 million to buy the land required.

The alternative street level option involves building a separate artertial road west of Stanley Street. The road passes below Alten Road Reserve - taking a small part of the reserve - and then joins a five-leg roundabout. The roundabout option would cost $50 million to build and $35 million to buy the land required.

A public display of the options is now on show at the Parnell Library (the former Blind Institute) in Parnell Road until October 15. The display includes plans and photo montages, together with a comprehensive catalogue of advantages and disadvantages.

The display is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5.30pm, Friday from 9am to 8pm and Saturday from 9.30am, to 4pm. Submissions close on October 15.

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