East-West Link misses out in $12b Govt infrastructure announcement

Friday, 31 January 2020

An artist's impression of the original East-West-Link.

Advocates are disappointed an on-again, off-again highway that would connect Auckland's south-east and west has not been included in a $12 billion infrastructure package.

The East-West Link, between SH20 at Onehunga and SH1 at Mt Wellington, was first proposed by the previous National government in 2014.

It was earmarked as a priority roading project and was expected to cost up to $1.85 billion.

But in November 2017 the newly elected Labour led government scrapped the project on the grounds that it was too expensive.

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However, a year later $800 million was included in the Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) budget for a revised East-West Link.

The National Road Carriers Association (NRC) represents 1800 road transport companies that collectively operate 16,000 trucks throughout New Zealand.

Chief executive David Aitken was disheartened by the government's decision not to include the East-West Link in the infrastructure package it announced on Wednesday, even though he welcomed the increased spending on other roads.

'It is very disappointing the East-West Link is not included given it is a top priority in the Auckland Plan,' he said.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, flanked by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Finance Minister Grant Robertson, announces a $12 billion infrastructure package (Video first published January 2020).

Denise Lee, the National Party MP for Maungakiekie, shared Aitken's concerns.

'It's outrageous the East-West Link has not been included. It should have been a priority at the top of the list,' she said.

More than 7000 freight vehicles drive through Onehunga each day, causing gridlock and safety issues, she said.

'The importance of this project to our economy cannot be understated. Economic analysis conducted in 2012 found the industrial area serviced by the East-West Link contributed more than $10 billion to the national GDP.

'The New Zealand Transport Agency board has considered an alternative proposal for the project numerous times over the past two years, so why is it not over the line yet?'

A spokesperson for the agency said there were five appeals against the project's resource consent which were due to be heard in the High Court in mid-2020.

'The outcome of these appeals may also affect the ultimate direction of the project, when considered with the project re-evaluation.'

He said the area still had transport problems and the NZTA was hoping to address those as part of a revised East-West Link project.

'Once there is a clearer path for the project, the transport agency will work with Panuku, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and other key stakeholders to provide a clear scope and timeline for progressing the works.'

Transport Minister Phil Twyford said the government had asked the NZTA to go back to the drawing board on the project.

'The former government's proposed East-West Link would have been the most expensive roading project in the world, cost an eye-watering $327 million per kilometre. We make no apologies for wanting better value for money for the taxpayer. I'm advised this alternative project is not yet finalised so cannot be considered for funding yet.'