Just in case you thought Auckland City Council was putting all of their attention towards rail solutions to address
Auckland's transport woes, then maybe it is worth taking a look at the draft annual plan, according to the Chairperson
of Council's Finance and Property Committee, Councillor Kay McKelvie.
"Councillors have this week approved a considerable amount for investment in a wide range of roading initiatives," says
Councillor McKelvie.
She says that while the Council is certainly putting a high priority on securing regional ownership of the rail
corridors lease and planning and consulting on a central rapid transport corridor connecting Queen Street, the
universities, Auckland Hospital and Newmarket, the budget also includes improvements to the roading network - in fact,
$46.2 million on maintaining and improving the city's roads.
According to Councillor McKelvie, this is more than any other City in New Zealand.
"As well as undertaking new works, we are budgeting to complete intersection studies, designed to improve traffic flow.
In particular, we will complete the Tamaki Drive/Ngapipi Road and Sandringham Road/Balmoral Road studies, which will
mean we can implement positive solutions to improve traffic flow in those areas.
“While these projects are being accounted for in the draft annual plan, the Council is, at the same time, committed to
ongoing liaison with Transit NZ to ensure that in extending and improving the city's roads, we take into account the
effect on local communities and the environment.
"The Council has a role in making sure any downside effects are managed in a way that is sensitive to the needs of the
residents directly affected by any proposed new road construction, while at the same time recognising the need to deal
with the transport needs of a fast growing city."
She says that while these projects may not seem as exciting as the Waitemata Waterfront Development, which includes the
proposed new transport interchange in downtown Auckland, they are all part of an overall commitment from the Council to
dealing with the city's unique and complex transport needs and in making Auckland City a better place to live.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Councillor Kay McKelvie, tel: 846 7076 or 025 279 6448.