A 16km rapid transit corridor from Albany to Milldale via Dairy Flat could provide the backbone of North Auckland transport’s network delivering frequent and high quality public transport.

This is one proposal amongst a suite of long-term transport projects to support population growth of 110,000 more people expected to be living in Dairy Flat, Silverdale West and Wainui by 2050. The region is already growing rapidly with residential and commercial developments.

Around 25km of new walking and cycling paths, improvements to State Highway 1, and new and upgraded roads have also been proposed; forming an integrated network to help people to move around whether it be by foot, bike, public transport or driving.

These long-term projects are part of the Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth programme, a collaboration between Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to develop transport networks for future communities in Auckland’s urban growth areas over the next 30 years.

Waka Kotahi Director Regional Relationships Te Tai Tokerau me Tāmaki Makaurau, Steve Mutton says the majority of the proposed projects are yet to be funded but need to be planned for now.

“In our planning we need to take a long term view by identifying and protecting future transport corridors long before construction. The projects can then be considered as part of the rezoning and release of land by Auckland Council over the next 10-30 years.”

“This approach provides certainty for landowners and the community, by providing a clear vision of how people can move around easily, safely and sustainably in our future communities and town centres.”

Auckland Transport Interim Chief Executive, Mark Lambert says the proposals included in this stage of Te Tupu Ngātahi North Auckland business case were developed following community consultation in 2019.

“We are inviting community feedback from 11 July to 19 August to make sure we are on the right track for the North Auckland proposals.”

The team are holding a community drop in session on Saturday 13 August, 11am – 1pm at the Dairy Flat Hall so if you’d like to know more, please come along.

Mr Lambert says following community consultation, further environmental and technical investigations are required to complete the detailed business case which will be submitted to the boards of Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi in 2023.

Te Tupu Ngātahi will then look to project the land needed for the future construction of these projects through a Notice of Requirement (designation) and will keep the community informed throughout the process.

For more information please go to haveyoursay-supportinggrowth.nz

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