Howick's ward councillors welcome the news that AMETI Eastern Busway could start construction as early as March next year.
Auckland Transport has announced that 61 properties on the northern side of Lagoon Drive and Pakuranga Road have started to be removed for construction of the busway to begin next year.
“It’s an exciting milestone,” says Councillor Sharon Stewart. “The community has been hearing and talking about AMETI for more than a decade so it is great to see real progress and momentum on a transformational project that will deliver better transport options, improve safety and allow people to get to where they are going faster.”
The construction phase for the Panmure to Pakuranga section is projected to be complete in two years and involves widening parts of Lagoon Drive and Pakuranga Road to create a dedicated, congestion-free busway.
Panmure Roundabout will be signalised to make it safer and there will be new cycle and walking paths, improved public spaces and reserves, a second bridge across Tāmaki River and several intersection upgrades.
“Congestion, particularly on Ti Rakau Drive and Pakuranga Road, is a major issue for Howick residents. We’re looking forward to the improvements that AMETI will bring,” Cr Stewart says.
Fellow ward Councillor Paul Young recognises the benefits the congestion-free busway will have for businesses.
“Congestion is having an impact on the logistics and cost of transporting goods for some businesses,” says Cr Young. “By providing improved public transport, we reduce the volume of general traffic. Reducing this congestion will benefit businesses and the economy over time so I want to encourage people to focus on the long-term benefits.”
The busway will be supported by three new stations at Panmure, Pakuranga and Botany. In addition, there will be new cycling and walking connections, urban design enhancements, and improvements for general traffic, such as advanced signalling at important intersections.
A new flyover connecting Pakuranga Road with Pakuranga Highway is also planned to provide better travel options and reduce congestion.
The final stage between Panmure and Botany is due for completion in 2026.
The removal of properties may initially generate some noise and dust. Arrangements have been made with the contractor to minimise this as much as possible.
Go to the project page for more information or stop by the information drop-in centre located in Pakuranga Plaza between 2pm and 6pm on Tuesday or Thursday each week.
Project benefits:
- Travel by bus and train from Botany to Central Auckland in less than 40 minutes (during peak travel time)
- Buses will travel along the busway every 2-5 minutes (depending on time of day)
- Ability to carry 7500 during peak hour
- The Reeves Road Flyover will remove 40 per cent of traffic from bus intersections around Pakuranga Town Centre while also providing direct access for motorists to Pakuranga Highway
- Significantly improved safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists
- Safety and signalling improvements at key intersections
- Safer, off-road cycleways.
