MAYOR’S OFFICE
AUCKLAND CITY

Moving Auckland Forward

Hon John Banks QSO
Mayor of Auckland City

21 November 2003

Motorists, Spaghetti Junction and patience

At today’s official sod turning ceremony to mark the commencement of stage two work on Auckland’s Central Motorway Junction, Auckland City Mayor Hon John Banks saluted the 200,000 drivers who pass through the CMJ every day.

“Predictably, the road works slow down the traffic but we thank the public for its patience – patience that will pay off. After a nearly $200 million spend, Spaghetti Junction will be unrecognisable,” said Mr Banks.

At $140 million, the stage two 27-month contract is the single largest roading construction contract ever awarded by Transit. The project will substantially upgrade, improve and complete the links between the three motorways, as well as improve access to Grafton Gully and the port.

The $55 million stage one work from Khyber Pass to Gillies Avenue is due for completion in January 2005. At the same time, work is progressing well on State Highway 16 in Grafton Gully, with the $68 million project set to be finished by the year’s end.

“Inefficiencies in and around Spaghetti Junction have for too long caused unnecessary congestion. Unlocking the gridlock around Spaghetti Junction represents one third of Auckland’s much-needed triple bypass. This stage two project is a core cog in completing the region’s integrated transport network.

“Today reinforces that the region has shifted its focus from one of planning and process to one of action,” said Mr Banks.

Ends

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