Draft transport networks to support future housing and business areas planned for greenfields land in the north west, south and north Auckland are open for public feedback from tomorrow.
Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and the NZ Transport Agency have developed the draft preferred transport networks following technical assessments and earlier public consultation in February and March.
A key focus is on increasing access to public transport - with a well-connected rapid transit network at the heart of draft plans for southern Auckland, the north west and Silverdale-Dairy Flat. Another important focus would be new or upgraded roading to improve safety and connections to new growth areas.
For Warkworth the focus is to separate through traffic and freight movements from urban areas with the opening of the Ara-Tūhono Pūhoi to Warkworth Road of National Significance (RoNS) and new alternative routes. The network plan also includes a proposal to connect Warkworth and Auckland with a frequent express bus service.
Public consultation on the draft transport network for each area will be open for a month until 13 May with online feedback and public information days.
Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse says it is important to identify the transport needs for growing communities early in the process which why it’s vital the consultation is robust.
“About 110,000 new houses are expected to be built on future urban areas bigger than urban Hamilton. Significant new transport infrastructure will be needed to support the people living and working in those areas.
“Once finalised, the recommended transport networks will be included in Auckland Council’s structure plans that are developed for future urban areas.”
Auckland Transport Key Strategic Initiatives Project Director Theunis van Schalkwyk says there was strong interest during the first stage of consultation with 770 people attending events and 620 pieces of feedback received.
“People giving feedback identified access to public transport as the most important transport feature for both new housing and business areas. There were also a number of important roading connections identified in each area to support the growth.
“It is a good opportunity for people to help guide what mix of transport projects need to happen.”
The NZ Transport Agency’s Auckland Regional Director, Ernst Zöllner says by working together the Transport Agency, the council and Auckland Transport are ensuring there is certainty about the transport needed for new communities and business areas.
“The public feedback will be incorporated into recommended transport networks that will be considered by the Auckland Transport and NZ Transport Agencies boards.
“The networks will then be broken down into prioritised projects for inclusion in future investment programmes.”
The draft transport networks are available for public feedback at www.at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/transport-for-future-urban-growth/(external link)
Public information days will be held in Kumeu, Whenuapai, Dairy Flat, Wainui, Warkworth, Pukekohe, Drury, Takanini and Manukau.
Find out more and have your say at:
www.at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/transport-for-future-urban-growth/(external link)
For media inquiries please contact:
Daryl McIntosh, Auckland Transport:
Mobile: 0276 879 935 | Email: daryl.mcintosh@at.govt.nz
Sarah Azam, Media Manager, NZ Transport Agency
Phone: 09 928 8720 Mobile: 021 103 9227| Email: sarah.azam@nzta.govt.nz
