Ngā pātai auau - frequently asked questions

Why is this project going ahead now?

The purpose of progressing the project now is to get ahead of future demand generated by the new housing and rail stations.

What stage is the project currently at?

Pre-implementation work is underway. This stage covers obtaining resource consents, site investigations and developing designs further for a project. It also includes discussion with some property owners regarding potential land requirements. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and mana whenua are working in partnership to deliver projects in an integrated way.

What will happen to the directly affected properties?

Property owners have been informed of the designation and that this project has been brought forward to support the development of additional housing and new rail stations. Discussions with property owners are confidential and property owners’ rights will continue to be protected by the Public Works Act.

Can I carry out an activity or works within the Auckland Transport designation?

Any works (such as undertaking any use of the land, building a structure, subdividing or changing the use of the land) proposed on land subject to a Designation or Notice of Requirement from Auckland Transport (AT), which will prevent or hinder the public work (including increasing the cost or complexity of that work) must have written consent from AT before the works can begin. See Consent for works in an AT Designation or Notice of Requirement for more information and how to apply for written consent.

Consent for works in an AT Designation or Notice of Requirement(external link)

How was the alignment for the new bridge decided?

During the designation process, Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth Alliance looked at three different options: widening on the north, south or both sides of Waihoehoe Road.

Community input was sought, and technical assessments were undertaken.

The northern side was chosen as it has less impact on utilities and better supports rail development and future land use. It has the least impact on property access and requires the least full property acquisitions.

The northern side also means less impact on traffic because it will allow the existing Waihoehoe Bridge to remain open during construction works.

Aligning on the northern side allows more flexibility for the rail network (the station site and future four-tracking) by providing more room for station connections and the curvature of the tracks under the bridge.

This alignment was confirmed as the final designation alignment.

For more information on this, you can have a look at the Assessment of Alternatives submitted as part of the Auckland Transport Designation 1840 Jesmond to Waihoehoe West FTN Upgrade (refer to pages 118 – 140 of the document).

Auckland Transport Designation 1840 Jesmond to Waihoehoe West FTN Upgrade(external link)