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The government has made its position clearer on Auckland's $2 billion motorway project in Waterview, dropping the twin tunnel option.
It's a hot issue as candidates gear up for the Mt Albert's by-election next month, with the route running through the electorate.
The government has announced it's looking at three options. All will involve the demolition of some houses.
"We want to achieve the maximum level of community mitigation within the possible costs," says Steven Joyce, Transport Minister.
"I think I said at the time when we were going to reassess it that this was going to be an expensive road regardless for the country."
The government says all three options are more cost-effective than previously thought, all coming in under $1.4 billion.
A preferred plan will be announced on Wednesday.
Joyce says the NZ Transport Agency has identified more cost-effective options for the completion of Auckland's Western Ring Route, meaning the previous government's "expensive debt-funded twin tunnel option" will not go ahead.
In January the Minister asked officials to investigate alternative options for building the Waterview Connection after a business case prepared for the previous government released in December showed the total cost of the project would be $2.77 billion.
This was made up of $1.98 billion for construction of the tunnels, $240 million for associated work on State Highway 16 and $550 million for finance costs during the project construction period.
"The NZ Transport Agency has reviewed all options and has found that the Waterview Connection, together with the same amount of associated work on State Highway 16, can be built for considerably less, at an expected cost of between $1 billion and $1.4 billion, depending which of the options is taken," says Joyce.
He says all of the options being considered by the NZ Transport Agency would be built with wide enough shoulders to allow for easy widening to three lanes in each direction.
"The NZ Transport Agency's Board is meeting today to consider the three alternative options and will announce its preference tomorrow, once it has had the opportunity to make first contact with those directly affected.
"A thorough consultation process on the form of the selected option will then commence before a final decision is made."
Joyce says he is sorry the people of Waterview face further uncertainty while the design of the road is decided.
"I am working with the NZ Transport Agency to provide certainty as soon as possible. My preference is for a Waterview Connection that can be delivered at a fair price to the country with minimal ongoing impact on the community."
The Waterview Connection is part of one of the seven Roads of National Significance the government has singled out as essential routes that require priority treatment.
It is the last link to complete the Western Ring Route, linking Manukau, Auckland, Waitakere and North Shore while bypassing State highway One and the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
What do you think of the whole Waterview Connection project? What should happen now that the twin tunnel option has been dropped? Have your say on our message board below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentAl1979 said on 2009-05-14 @ 02:43 NZDT: Report abusive post
The only justification for an extravagent tunnel through Mt Albert is that this was Helen Clark's electorate. The government has made the right decision.
OneVoice said on 2009-05-13 @ 23:28 NZDT: Report abusive post
The recommended option seems the most cost effective with minimum impact on local environment and communities. With the completion of the Mt Roskill section of the motoway the local environment has been hugely improved. Check out the new cycle and walkways with street lights, ponds, carparks, landscaping and noise barriers around Keith Hay Park and beyond that are being enjoyed by local residents. I expect the same to happen along the proposed new sections of the motorway.
OneVoice said on 2009-05-13 @ 22:51 NZDT: Report abusive post
It is an indictment on our central and local political systems that it took fifty years for the Western Ring Road project to get this far. How many times have we seen this project being used for politiking at local government election time and then filed away in the bottom drawer after local elections. Auckland and New Zealand have been held back long enough. Lets get on with it. Residents affected must be adequately compensated though.
jessehawkeswood said on 2009-05-13 @ 22:22 NZDT: Report abusive post
So sad does the government have no feelings for the peoples house and lives there ruining. No they don't. John Keys just doing it there because Helen Clark lived there and that area is labour supporters. Why don't they go build it in Parnell where John Keys house is and see if he likes it when this house gets demolished.
Grogyan said on 2009-05-13 @ 17:26 NZDT: Report abusive post
You realize that posting a messag here will not likely be read by TVNZ staff, and I have already sent them an email directly. While the country looks on and says, yes! a cheaper option, they fail to understand all the complexities of the local area that will undoubtedly be destroyed and NEVER rebuilt. I have lived in Waterview all my life, and we have amongst other things, THE ONLY natural waterfall in central Auckland district, which is relatively clean.