Feedback sought for North Shore transport plans

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Auto Trader NZ
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Published 3 September 2020

The project plans include a direct connection between the Northern Motorway (SH1) and an upgraded Upper Harbour Highway (SH18); improvedlocal road links, an extension of the Northern Busway, and more than 5kms of proposed new walking and cycling paths.

As well as focusing on motorway and road improvements, the project commits significant investment to encourage the use of public transport and walking and cycling, says the Transport Agency’s Auckland and Northland highways manager Brett Gliddon.

“We’re working with Auckland Transport on plans to extend the Northern Busway, so buses can travel further on the network. This extension will improve bus trip reliability andprovide a more efficient bus network on the North Shore.

“We’d also welcome feedback on our joint plans with Auckland Transport for what could form more than 25 kilometres of a new linked up network of walking and cycling paths through local roads and parks.”

The Northern Corridor Improvements project is part of the Accelerated Auckland package funded by Government to prioritise projects that will get Auckland moving. It will provide better links for Northern Motorway (SH1) travellers in Auckland and improve transport options on the North Shore for freight, cars, pedestrians and cyclists. It includes a new motorway connection between SH1 and SH18, opening up access to the Western Ring Route and airport.

But Mr Gliddon also believes it will have a special appeal for North Shore residents. “The new motorway connection provides direct motorway access all the way from the North Shore to Auckland Airport. The journey time at the moment is hugely variable, so we are sure the community will appreciate the plans for an alternative route and more reliable journey times.”

The Transport Agency is working closely with Auckland Transport (AT) on the best way to integrate AT’s wider planning for bus route changes and cycling into the design plans.

AT’s more efficient and effective bus network, will enable more people to easily transfer between local buses and the busway to travel quickly around the North Shore.

Auckland Transport is investigating new busway station options in the Rosedale/lower Albany area, and is considering issues such as the local topography, connections to residential and business areas, and how best to serve future growth.

Community feedback is welcome through the online form provided on the NZTA website, or by visiting the project team at one of the open days:

Westfield Albany – Sat 5 Sept and Sun 6 Sept, centre court location, all day.

Local businesses’ coffee drop in session – Tues 8 Sept, 7.30-8.30am, Café Noir, 7A Triton Drive, Rosedale.

Local businesses’ coffee drop in session – Wed 9 Sept, 7.30-8.30am, North Shore Cosmopolitan Club, 65 Paul Matthews Road, Albany.

Unsworth Heights community event – Fri 11 Sept, 2pm to 6pm, Meadowood Community Centre, 55 Meadowood Drive.

North Harbour Business Association Expo – Thurs 17 Sept, QBE Stadium (stand 80).

The opportunity to give feedback is open between now and Friday 18 September, 2015.