People will have their first opportunity to look at the initial project designs and provide feedback for the Southern Corridor Improvements in Auckland at open days being organised by the NZ Transport Agency from next week.
The initial designs for the important upgrades along the Southern Motorway (State Highway 1) have been completed and public feedback will help shape the next stage of detailed design, says the Transport Agency’s acting Highway Manager Steve Mutton.
The $220m project is one of a number of key works included in the government’s accelerated programme to improve transport infrastructure in Auckland.
The Southern Motorway will be widened between the SH1/SH20 interchange at Manukau, down to Papakura to provide additional lanes both northbound and southbound. Essential upgrades will also be made to the Takanini Interchange to improve safety and traffic flow onto the motorway.
The Transport Agency is also investigating incorporating a walking and cycle path as part of the project that will run alongside the motorway from Papakura in the south to Takanini, and link up to Great South Road.
'It’s important we get feedback when developing these significant projects so we can incorporate ideas, where possible, from the people who use the motorway on a regular basis. We would really encourage the local community to come along and have their say on the Southern Corridor Improvements project,' says Mr Mutton.
Open day information (feel free to drop-in at any time during these session times):
Monday 28 July, 3pm–7pm: Manukau Golf Club, Members Lounge, 1/1 Great South Road, Takanini
Wednesday 30 July, 3pm–7pm: Papakura Library and Museum Building, Foyer Area, 209 Great South Road, Papakura (parking on East Street)
Thursday 31 July, 3pm–7pm: Counties Racing Club, Fulton Lounge, 222 – 250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe
Saturday 2 August, 10am–2pm: Manurewa East School, School Hall, 10 Scotts Road, Manurewa
Mr Mutton says the Southern Corridor Improvements will address the imbalance in lanes along this busy stretch of motorway.
'Most people who travel this route on a regular basis know that there’re several bottlenecks on the Southern Motorway, in particular from Hill Road down to Takanini and further south to Papakura where lanes are reduced to two lanes in each direction. This can cause significant delays for motorists and commercial vehicles. By creating additional lanes, we hope to reduce congestion and provide more reliable travel times,' Mr Mutton says.
'The Takanini Interchange will also get a redesign – this interchange plays an important role in connecting communities and industries in and around Takanini with the motorway network and the rest of Auckland. A new freight lane will also make it easier to move goods and services,' he says.
South Auckland is growing at a rapid rate with an estimated additional 160,000 people, equivalent to a city the size of Hamilton, relocated to this area in the next thirty years.
'Our focus is on meeting the immediate demands of the city’s growth, whilst future-proofing for the longer-term picture. The Southern Corridor Improvements is one of a number of projects being developed to address growth in this area. The Transport Agency is working closely with our partners, Auckland Transport on other proposed transport initiatives including the Mill Road corridor and improvements to the rail network,' explains Mr Mutton.
Additional details can be found on the project website: www.nzta.govt.nz/auckland-southern-corridor(external link)
For more information please contact:
Ewart Barnsley
Auckland/Northland Media Manager
NZ Transport Agency
T: 09 928 8720
M: 027 213 7616
E: ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz
