Media Release
For immediate release
30 July 2004

Interchange connecting Waiouru Peninsula/SH1 approved for funding

The interchange connecting Waiouru Peninsula with State Highway 1 in Manukau was approved for funding by Transfund New Zealand yesterday.

The Transfund Board agreed to fund construction of the project, costing $66 million, at its July meeting.

The cost of the project is being shared between Manukau City Council and Transit New Zealand.

Transfund New Zealand is funding 100 percent of Transit's share of $20 million and 53 percent of Manukau City Council's share of $46 million.

Overall, Transfund will fund over $44 million for the project, which comprises a new road connection across the Tamaki River linking a new business park and Allens Road in East Tamaki with SH1.

Transfund chair Dr Jan Wright says funding was approved because of the economic benefits to the region. However, it is conditional on land purchases being finalised.

"The Board noted that Manukau City Council, Transit New Zealand and Auckland Regional Council have jointly committed to ensuring the benefits of the project are sustained over the long term.

"The project has strong linkages with other project proposals including walkways and cycleways between Otahuhu and Otara," Dr Wright says.

The Manukau City Council, with support from Auckland Regional Council and developers, will develop a public transport plan and services, and develop travel plans for businesses in the business park before construction of the new road is completed.

Developers with benefits from the project have contributed over $8 million to the project.

In approving the project, the Board noted the lack of other land transport alternatives and options with acceptable timeframes, benefits and costs.

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Transfund New Zealand is the government agency responsible for allocating funding toward an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable land transport system for New Zealand. It funds a range of land transport solutions based on funding applications received from Transit New Zealand, territorial authorities and regional councils. See our website www.transfund.govt.nz for more information.

ENDS

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