12 October 2005

Transit pushing ahead with Manukau Harbour Crossing project

Transit New Zealand is aiming to complete its investigation of an upgrade of SH20 between Walmsley Road and Queenstown Road, including the bridge over the Manukau Harbour, with the view to lodging consents by April next year.

The project is receiving top priority from Transit as it forms part of the strategic western ring route that will provide motorists with improved access between Manukau City, Auckland City, Waitakere City and North Shore City.

Transit regional manager, Richard Hancy, says the intention is to have the Manukau Crossing project ready to construct in 2009/10 with completion four years later. "In the meantime we have to complete our investigation which includes completing the detailed engineering work, consultation, and assessing the environmental effects of the project. Once these are done we will be lodging an application to alter the road designation and obtain the necessary coastal consents."

During 2003, Transit undertook consultation with the local community on a proposal to duplicate the motorway bridge across the Manukau Harbour, widen the motorway either side of the harbour between Queenstown Road and Walmsley Road, and upgrade the Onehunga (Gloucester Park) interchange.

Following the introduction of the Land Transport Management Act 2003, Transit undertook a further, more comprehensive review of transport planning within the entire Southwestern Motorway corridor. The initial conclusions from this study confirmed the need to upgrade the section of SH20 between Walmsley Road and Queenstown Road.

ENDS

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