Work started today to remove 61 properties as part of the AMETI Eastern Busway route. The properties are all owned by Auckland Council and are along the Panmure to Pakuranga stage of AMETI.
The removal of properties on the northern side of Lagoon Drive and Pakuranga Road will finish by early next year to enable the main construction phase to start in March/April 2019.
Mayor Phil Goff says, "AMETI will bring high-frequency public transport to east Auckland along with significantly improved facilities for motorists and safer, faster connections for bike riders and walkers.
"Our teams are working quickly to start construction early next year and bring high-frequency public transport to the fast-growing region of east Auckland. AMETI will unlock housing development opportunities and boost the local economy."
The construction phase will take approximately two years. Parts of Lagoon Drive and Pakuranga Road will be widened to create a dedicated, congestion-free busway, similar to the Northern Busway. Panmure Roundabout will be turned into a safer signalised intersection, there will be new cycle and walking paths, improved public spaces and reserves, a second bridge across Tamaki River and several intersection upgrades.
When the $1.4b busway is fully operational, customers will be able to travel between Botany and Britomart, by bus and train, in less than 40 minutes.
Property removal
Fencing has been installed around the first properties being removed at the corner of Pakuranga Road and Ti Rakau Drive and security and safety measures have been put in place to secure the other properties while the demolition work progresses.
Auckland Transport and Panuku have been working closely with social and housing organisations to ensure a smooth transition for tenants of these properties and neighbouring residents.
The removal of properties may generate some noise and dust and allowances have been made with the contractor to minimise this as much as possible.
"This work will significantly increase the visibility of the project for those who live, work and travel through this area," says AT Project Director, Duncan Humphrey.
"While this progress is exciting and will result in vastly improved travel choices, journey times and reliability for east Aucklanders, we appreciate that there will be inconveniences and disruption caused by the removal of properties and imminent construction. We do have plans to minimise these impacts."
The project is separated into four stages: Panmure to Pakuranga (EB1), Pakuranga Town Centre and Reeves Flyover (EB2), Pakuranga to Botany Busway (EB3), and a new interchange at Botany Town Centre (EB4). Eastern Busway stages 2, 3 and 4 have been able to be accelerated due to the regional fuel tax.
