The public are being given another opportunity to have their say on one of Auckland Council and the Government’s top priority transport projects in Auckland.
The latest round of consultation is getting underway on the design for the East West Link project which is a significant step in the project’s planning and consenting process.
The NZ Transport Agency says the East West Link project, which will improve connections into and out of the Onehunga-Penrose area, is vital to Auckland and New Zealand’s economy so it’s important that people have their say at this stage to help shape the design.
The project is located in the engine room of New Zealand’s industrial and manufacturing economy, together with East Tamaki and Auckland Airport more than 130,000 people are employed in the wider area and generate $10 billion a year in GDP.
“As well as the transport improvements this project will also help enhance important features in the area by improving access to the foreshore and providing a more natural coastal edge and adding new walking and cycling paths,” says Brett Gliddon the Transport Agency’s Auckland Highway Manager.
“Along with improving connections for Onehunga-Penrose the project will also improve travel times for freight, motorists and public transport users.”
“There will also be several intersection upgrades, including changes that will make it easier for local business owners and their customers to get in and out of key roads. This will support the growing Onehunga Town Centre and businesses by reducing local traffic on Neilson Street,” says Mr Gliddon
A series of public open days and drop in sessions are being held in July. The public will be able to speak with the project team about the plans. They will also be able to have their say on key interchanges at Neilson Street and Princes Street, walking and cycling connections in the area and key aspects of the environment.
Community feedback and further environmental work will help to refine the design before applications are lodged by the Transport Agency with the Environmental Protection Authority at the end of this year. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2018, subject to approvals.
Open Days
Saturday 2 July: Library Café, 55 Princes Street, Onehunga (9am-1pm)
Saturday 9 July: Bedingfield Memorial Park, Princes Street, Otahuhu (10am-3pm)
Tuesday 12 July: Library Café, 55 Princes Street, Onehunga (5.30pm-9pm)
Drop in sessions
East West Link project office, 10 Gloucester Park Road, Onehunga
Wednesday 6, Thursday 7 July: 1pm-7pm
Wednesday 13, Thursday 14 July: 1pm-7pm
For more information please call our freephone 0508 NZTA EWL (0508 698 2395). People can also give their feedback using a new feedback tool at: www.nzta.govt.nz/east-west(external link)
