Source: Auckland Council
The inclusion of several key west Auckland projects on the council’s ’shovel-ready’ list submitted to the Governments Infrastructure Industry Reference Group has delighted Auckland’s west councillors.
The North-Western busway was listed at priority 5 in the list, the Te Whau pathway at number 15, while in the Whau the New Lynn to Avondale Scheme Cycle Way was at 24.
The list of 73 key projects, (30 ranked in order of priority and 43 projects not ranked but that also meet the Government criteria) were sent to the Reference Group following a call for ready to go projects that can start quickly to stimulate the economy and reduce the economic impact of COVID-19.
Key projects
Waitākere Ward Councillors Shane Henderson and Linda Cooper along with Whau Ward Councillor Tracy Mulholland welcomed the inclusion of the NW Busway and Te Whau Pathway in particular.
“These are projects that Councillors and board members out west have worked hard for and advocated for over a long period of time,” says Councillor Cooper.
“The Northwestern busway has been needed for a significant amount of time and we know it will make a real difference to the people of the west when it is built.”
Councillor Henderson agrees. “Both these projects will be really important for providing options other than using their cars,” he says. “We all lobbied hard for this, actually over a number of years, and this is a great result for the West.
“When we emerge from the lockdown period, there is no doubt the economy will need a real boost. I’m delighted that these projects, which have the potential to do so much, are now being considered.”
Game changer
The cross-ward project, Te Whau pathway, could be a game-changer for the west, says Whau Councillor Tracy Mullholland.
“Providing the link along the Whau to SH16 will be incredible for people from Kelston onward and to have that project completed would be a game-changer,” she says.
“Not only would people be able to enjoy the Whau in a way not possible before, it would open up the west as a significant destination area for people from across Auckland to come and enjoy,” she says.
She also welcomed the inclusion of the New Lynn to Avondale Cycleway. “Again we are talking about a project that will provide the option to choose an active transport method when traversing between the two busy centres, it will make a real difference.”
The Governments Infrastructure Industry Reference Group will make recommendations to the government. Final decisions on successful projects will be made by the government.
West-based projects
North-Western busway (Priority no. 5)
What: A continuous busway along SH16 that would link the west to the CBD in a similar way to the northern busway that runs along the harbour bridge.
Te Whau Pathway (Priority no.15)
What: A path which would link the Manukau Harbour to the Waitematā Harbour via a shared path designed to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. It began construction in 2015 with completion dependent on funding.
New Lynn to Avondale Cycleway (Priority no.24)
What: The 2.9km New Lynn to Avondale Shared Path follows the rail line from New Lynn Station through green spaces to just east of Blockhouse Bay Road.
Wolverton Culvet (Priority no. 25)
What: A programme to replace two culverts under Wolverton Street. Both culverts are coming to the end of their design life and need to be replaced. Once installed, the new larger culverts can contend with greater amounts of rainfall and more frequent storm events, reducing the risk of flooding in the area.
Clinker Place Development Stormwater Trunk Provision (Priority no.13)
A new stormwater pipe for the development of the Clinker Place Special Housing Area. It will be between the new housing area and the Manawa Wetland Reserve.
Lincoln Road (No prioritisation)
Lincoln Road is a major arterial connection for West Auckland and is a major component in the regional major roads network. It is also highly congested route. The project will redesign the poorly performing sectors to enable the road to perform to its potential. It will be future-proofed with a T3 lane and cycle lanes and an improved motorway interchange.
