IA Offers $6.8 Million For Manukau Rail Link Enabling Works

Statement made by John Robertson, Chairman, Infrastructure Auckland

Infrastructure Auckland (IA) has approved a grant of $6.8 million today for enabling works for The Manukau Rail Link Project. These works will preserve the construction option for a rapid transit connection between the Manukau City Centre and the North Island Main Trunk Line.

The project will enable earth works to be completed alongside state highway 20 (SH20) between Manukau city centre and the North Island main trunk line, at the same time as the road works for state highway 20 are undertaken. The benefits of being able to undertake both projects at once are significant, including cost savings, and less disruption to local residents and commuters.

The enabling works ensure that the region retains the ability to use the rail corridor and connect it with the planned regional rail network.

It is envisaged that the enabling works will contribute to the planned regionally integrated passenger transport system identified in the Regional Land Transport Strategy. The project is also part of the Regional Growth Strategy.

The funding will go towards a range of enabling works including earthworks, drainage, bridge construction, and construction of fences and retaining walls.

The grant results from an application from Manukau City Council which is undertaking the enabling works.

Results from IA’s extensive evaluation process show that undertaking the project in conjunction with the SH20 works will deliver significantly more community benefits to the region than implementing the project separately.

Today’s grant brings IA’s total granting programme for the region to date to $173 million.

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