Plans for stage two of the Eastern Busway project continue to be supported by Howick Local Board, who have also called for consideration and mitigations to minimise disruption to the community during construction, in formal feedback submission to the project.
The board was responding to a Notice of Requirement, a process to identify and secure the land required to undertake construction, lodged by Auckland Transport for the second stage of the Eastern Busway project. It was agreed and formalised by the board at an extraordinary business meeting in late March.
The Eastern Busway, a significant project for East Auckland that will form a key part of the region’s rapid transport network, is moving into stage two of the project, which includes work around the Pakuranga Plaza and the new Reeves Road Flyover.
Howick Local Board Chair Damian Light says that the board’s feedback is supportive of the project, but also encourages steps to reduce disruption.
“The board is happy to support the Eastern Busway project in that we have identified significant potential benefits for the community to public transport, private vehicles and walking and cycling to name a few.
“However, we have also raised concerns in this feedback that not only need to be proactively monitored but managed by all relevant parties. One key aspect to this is for Eastern Busway Alliance to continue to increase communication and awareness of the project so that the public are kept informed“.
In the board's feedback, they:
- continue to support the Eastern Busway project and the next phase of development
- raised various concerns about some aspects of the project and the potential impacts during works
- encouraged increased communication and awareness of the project, construction and benefits to local residents, businesses and other stakeholders; and
- encouraged all efforts be made to reduce the impact on the environment, local residents and businesses.
The Eastern Busway will help create separate lanes for new high-frequency bus services to connect people from Botany, Pakuranga and the surrounding suburbs with the rail network in Panmure. It will include cycling and walking paths, safety, environment and roading improvements, and a Reeves Road flyover, giving people a range of travel options.
The busway will increase access to jobs and education, lead to more social and community opportunities, attract investment and growth, enable urban development, and help reduce emissions.
