Auckland's $1.4 billion Eastern Busway project proceeds to next stage

Friday, 1 May 2020

East Auckland’s new busway edges closer to completion.

A new busway in east Auckland is edging closer to completion with a $450 million contract for the last stages of construction up for bidding.

The $1.4 billion project will see three new stations in Panmure, Pakuranga and Botany connected by bus, cycle and walking lines by 2025.

The project promises to bring thousands of jobs to Auckland to help in the post-coronavirus economic recovery.

It promises to generate thousands of jobs to help the region recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said the decision to proceed with the next three stages of the Eastern Busway makes the project one of the biggest investment decisions across the whole of Auckland.

* Broken Auckland bus routes may deter commuters despite free fares, sceptics warn

* Fears new Auckland busway build could increase congestion on Pakuranga Road

“It represents a total spend of $700 million, with huge benefits for expanding rapid public transit, cycling and walking as well as easing pressure on traffic congestion,” he said.

“Coming as we recover from the Covid-19-induced international recession, it will create a much-needed boost to jobs and incomes and assist Auckland’s economic recovery.”

The contract value for the construction phase alone will be $450m with the total spend on stages 2, 3 and 4 being $700 million.

Minister of Transport Phil Twyford said the Eastern Busway is an important project which will help boost Auckland’s post-COVID-19 economy and create jobs.

“The Registration of Interest for stages 2-4 proceeding is another step closer to East Auckland finally getting the transport links it deserves and is part of our Government’s $29 billion transport infrastructure plan with Auckland Council,” he said.

“It will help give East Aucklanders a congestion-free alternative to sitting in traffic and a less than 40 minute commute from Botany to the CBD.”

Targeted for completion in 2025, stages 2, 3 and 4 of the project will extend the rapid transit network, high frequency busway currently under construction between Panmure and Pakuranga from Pakuranga Plaza through to Botany Town Centre.

The project will include the congestion-free busway along Ti Rakau Drive, major stations at Pakuranga and Botany Town Centres and a flyover connecting Pakuranga Rd with Waipuna Bridge.

Stage 1 of the project between Panmure and Pakuranga is currently under construction and targeted for completion in 2021.