Auckland Council has now approved the resource consent and recommended approval of the Notice of Requirement for the Panmure to Pakuranga stage of the project.
Mayor Phil Goff says, "AMETI will deliver a modern day public transport network to the east of Auckland. New dedicated busways and cycleways will vastly improve travel times in the area, unlocking housing development opportunities in Panmure and beyond, and giving the local economy a serious boost."
Constructing a congestion-free busway
The Panmure to Pakuranga stage of the $1.2 billion project will begin in late-2018. It involves the construction of a dedicated, congestion-free busway along Lagoon Drive and Pakuranga Road with new cycling and walking connections, improvements to major intersections, urban design and landscaping enhancements, a new bridge across Tamaki River and the creation of a new memorial park and improved public spaces.
Mayor Goff says, "Dedicated busways have already been proven to work in Auckland with the Northern busway delivering more than half of all the people that travel over our Harbour Bridge during peak hours each morning. The Panmure to Pakuranga section of AMETI will allow people to travel congestion-free making public transport more attractive and reliable.
"Auckland grows by a city the size of Tauranga every three years and adds hundreds of cars to our roads per week. Investment in our transport network is critical to address congestion and to deliver a world-class city."
Duncan Humphrey, AT Programme Director for AMETI says, "This is a significant point in the project's history and signifies real progress towards providing better transport choices and reliability for East Aucklanders.
"The ultimate objective of commuters being able to travel by bus and train from Botany to Britomart in less than 40 minutes is a major step closer. This is a priority project that will connect one of Auckland's fastest growing areas with the region's future, long-term strategic transport network."
Project details
The project is separated into various stages, including Panmure to Pakuranga, Pakuranga to Botany, Pakuranga Town Centre and Reeves Road Flyover and a new interchange at Botany Town Centre.
AMETI Eastern Busway will be completed by 2026.
Public consultation is currently underway for the Pakuranga to Botany stage of the project. This stage includes the continuation of the busway along the centre of Ti Rakau Drive, development of a flyover to provide better travel options for motorists between Pakuranga Road and Pakuranga Highway, cycling and walking networks, a new station in Pakuranga Town Centre and a future interchange near Botany Town Centre.
Find out more by heading to an information session.
