The New Zealand Transport Agency is inviting public submissions at open days, and drop in sessions in July as the latest round of consultation gets underway on the design for the East West Link project.
It is a significant step in the project’s planning and consenting process.
NZTA says the project will improve connections into and out of the Onehunga-Penrose area, and it 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 in the heart of New Zealand’s industrial and manufacturing economy, 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 NZTA Auckland Highway manager Brett Gliddon.
“Along with improving connections for Onehunga-Penrose the project will also improve travel times for freight, motorists and public transport users,” he says.
“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 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
