A project between NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Transport and Auckland Airport is aiming to improve transport options to and from airport and surrounding areas.
The Southwest Gateway programme is made up of three projects, which includes better freight movement, throughout areas including Botany, Onehunga, Mangere, Manurewa, Papakura and Pukekohe.
NZTA chief executive Fergus Gammie says the programme will work alongside other initiatives including light rail and the city rail link as part of the Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP).
“In the short term we are upgrading Puhinui Station to provide a quality transport interchange that enables seamless connections between bus and heavy rail and will then enable people to connect with a modern bus service to take them right to the airport terminal,” Gammie says.
The upgrade of the interchange will be accompanied by frequent services into and out of Puhinui, starting with priority lanes along State Highway 20B. This will also include new direct bus services to run on the priority lanes between the airport, Puhinui Station and Manukau as well as improved walking and cycling facilities. This work will be finished in stages in 2020/21.
“While getting air passengers quickly and reliably to and from their flights is important, data in ATAP suggests they make up only 4% of overall travel demand. Far more people need frequent, reliable options to get to work, education and other daily activities across the south west and south east.”
Auckland Airport chief executive Adrian Littlewood says the Southwest Gateway programme will help support the airport’s investment into its transport network to better accommodate the increasing number of vehicles and buses travelling into the area.
The airport is spending $100 million between now and 2022 to upgrade its transport network as part of a 30-year plan.
“This will ensure that we have the right transport infrastructure to allow people efficient access to our terminals and businesses in and around the airport precinct as well as surrounding areas.
“Our partnership with the Transport Agency and Auckland Transport is greatly contributing towards a better outcome for passengers, staff and freight,” Littlewood says.
*NZTA and Auckland Transport are now asking for public and stakeholder feedback on the project. Go to surveymonkey.com/r/MDMD6NX or at.govt.nz/AtoB for more information.
