Electrification of the rail network to Pukekohe, starting the build of the Northwestern busway, and upgraded airport access will be part of a 30 year plan to unlock Auckland’s congestion issues in a report released yesterday.
The Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) final report sets out a clear direction for the development of Auckland’s transport system over the next 30 years.
A joint project involving Auckland Council, the Ministry of Transport, Auckland Transport, the NZ Transport Agency, the Treasury and the State Services Commission, the final report is recommending an aligned strategic approach, including an indicative package of transport investment, for the next 30 years.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges says ATAP has identified the following priorities for additional funding over the next decade including new and upgraded roads to unlock land for housing in the northwest, the south, and the north.
The report recommends building the first phase of the Northwestern Busway from Westgate to Te Atatu to provide for growth, increased access into the city centre and help tackle congestion on the Northwestern Motorway.
Motorway improvements to address congestion and provide for ongoing growth in the northwest, south and southwest are also part of the report.
Upgraded access to Auckland Airport from the east to address congestion and improve journey reliability of bus services and safety for cyclists is another report recommendation.
Ongoing investment to improve Auckland’s rail network for both passengers and freight, including more electric trains and extending electrification to Pukekohe is also recommended by the report.
