Easier Journeys For East Auckland Drivers

About 16,000 East Auckland drivers a day enjoying easier journeys on a new Pakūranga flyover are set for even better commutes with traffic lanes about to open in both directions.

Rā Hihi - the flyover built in Pakūranga as part of the Eastern Busway project, and also known as the Reeves Road flyover, has been open to citybound lanes since the start of October. Traffic heading towards Howick will be able to use the flyover between the South Eastern Highway and Pakūranga Road from this Saturday 18 October.

As well as a better connection for drivers, it enables fast, frequent and reliable buses on the Eastern Busway being built underneath.

Auckland Transport Eastern Busway Programme Director Andy Huang says AT is delighted drivers are already enjoying easier journeys while work continues to complete the Eastern Busway.

“On the first day the two citybound lanes opened, around 12,000 vehicles travelled across the flyover. That number jumped to 15,000 the next day, and numbers continue to rise as drivers discover the faster route.

“After partially opening the flyover five months ahead of schedule, we’re really pleased to open the other lanes ahead of schedule thanks to 24/7 planning and works.

“This means time saved for people getting to work and home again.

“It is critical that transport choices meet the varying needs of Aucklanders. The Eastern Busway is connecting East Auckland to the wider region and provides transport options for people to get to more places, more frequently.

“People can already get to the city centre easily from Pakūranga using the already open section of the busway and train. When the City Rail Link opens, people will be able to get to even more places conveniently by bus and train - like Eden Park or Henderson.

“When the full busway opens in 2027, it will provide a reliable 40-minute trip by bus and train between Botany, Pakūranga, Panmure and Waitematā Station,” Mr Huang says.

“Thank you to the community for your patience while the busway is built. We are now preparing for 24/7 work during the summer holidays when there is less traffic and we can complete the intersection of Tī Rākau Drive and the South Eastern Highway in one go.”

About Rā Hihi and the Eastern Busway

Rā Hihi carries four lanes of traffic, two in each direction. The structure is 600 metres long, 187 metres wide and 10 metres high.

The name ‘Rā Hihi’ was gifted buy mana whenua and means “sun’s rays”.

By 2028, the completed Eastern Busway is expected to carry 18,000 passengers per day, with projections rising to 24,000 passengers per day by 2048.

As well as connecting surrounding suburbs with the rail network, the Eastern Busway will make local trips easier by providing more sustainable travel options for walking, biking and using the bus.

The project includes 12km of dedicated walking and cycleways, 7km of busway and 5 new stations.

It will deliver wide-ranging benefits for the area, increasing access to jobs and education, and attracting investment and growth.

The Eastern Busway project is funded by the Government and Auckland Council. It is being delivered by an alliance of Auckland Transport with Fletcher Construction, ACCIONA, AECOM and Jacobs, in partnership with mana whenua.

If any community member has any questions about works, they should email info@easternbusway.nz.

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