AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

8 May 2006

First class Fanshawe Street offers streamlined traffic flow

A major $12 million transport project to widen, resurface and extend bus lanes along Fanshawe Street has finished on time and on budget.

Bus users as well as motorists can now enjoy a quicker, smoother ride along the main arterial that forms part of the Northern Busway.

The new and improved Fanshawe Street has been two years in the making, including planning, design and a year of construction.

The council’s Transport and Urban Linkages Committee chairperson, Councillor Richard Simpson, says Auckland City has played its part in a wider regional project to improve bus journey times from the North Shore to Auckland’s CBD.

“By widening the road, we have successfully introduced 24-hour bus lanes in both directions and increased the capacity of the intersections at Beaumont and Halsey streets,” says Mr Simpson.

“With over 40,000 vehicles travelling the length of Fanshawe Street each day, delivering this project was no small feat. Bus travel times will be greatly improved, helping people to choose public transport over their private cars.

“Another huge benefit for both motorists and bus passengers using Fanshawe Street is that the bumps, humps and hollows along the stretch are gone,” says Mr Simpson.

Wider footpaths, staggered crossings and mid-road pedestrian refuge areas also make it easier and safer for pedestrians in the area.

The council liaised with utility companies to ensure underground improvement works to telecommunications, gas, power and sewerage were upgraded during construction.

Auckland City thanks all pedestrians, bus users, motorists and business owners for their support and co-operation during this important transport project.

“Widening Fanshawe Street has been a mammoth task, creating frustration for people at times. We would like to say thanks for all the tolerance and support shown during construction,” says Mr Simpson.

ENDS

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