ARC supports Rosebank route for SH20 extension

14 March 2006

Auckland Regional Council is supporting the Rosebank route for the State Highway 20 Avondale extension.

Transit NZ recently confirmed the Waterview option as its preferred route for the extension.

However after today’s decision, ARC Transport Policy Chairman Joel Cayford said the Rosebank route has significant advantages in terms of enhancing the strategic road network.

“We support the highway extension, but it has to be in the right place for Auckland’s long term needs.

“The Rosebank option provides a more direct western connection to SH16 and will therefore be a superior choice in the long-term. It also removes more traffic from local roads.

“There is not yet a compelling case that Waterview is significantly better than the Rosebank option. Choosing the Waterview option is a risky decision that only looks at the short-term,” Cr Cayford says.

“The support of both Auckland and Waitakere City councils for the Waterview option have significant qualifiers. This makes the choice of Waterview as the preferred route highly dependent on a range of mitigation measures which are likely to increase the overall project cost.

“We’d like Transit to do more work on providing a valid comparison between the two options, including mitigation measure costs and long term strategic network considerations,” Cr Cayford says.

“This motorway project will have a significant impact on the surrounding community and environment, so it is vital decision-making is robust.”

ENDS

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