Auckland's $1.4b Eastern Busway project draws near
A new busway in east Auckland is drawing nearer to completion with a new alliance formed to carry out the last construction stages.
The $1.4 billion project will see three new stations in Panmure, Pakuranga and Botany connected by bus, cycle and walking lines by 2025.
It promises to generate thousands of jobs to help the region recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Fletcher, Acciona, AECOM and Jacobs have been chosen to design, consent and build the final stages of the Eastern Busway project, expected to carry more than 30,000 people a day between the rapidly growing south-eastern suburbs and the rail network in Panmure.
The busway will cut travel time between Botany and Britomart, reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, said Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.
It will help give East Aucklanders a less than 40 minute commute from Botany to the CBD, said Minister of Transport Phil Twyford.
The alliance will start critical design and consenting work before progressing to construction, expected to start in 2022.
The group has overseen other major infrastructure projects including Auckland's Waterview Connection, the SH 16 Causeway Upgrade and Brisbane's Eastern Busway.
Remaining stages of the project will extend the high frequency busway under construction between Panmure and Pakuranga to a new station in Botany Town Centre.
Project Alliance Board Chair Dean Kimpton said the alliance partners are excited to be part of a project that will contribute wide-reaching social and economic benefits to the Auckland region.
"The next stages of the project are expected to generate hundreds of jobs in the short-term and provide work for thousands of people and dozens of businesses in the supply and construction sector," Kimpton said.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.8% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
So grateful for the amazing clients who trust me with their gardens 🌿✨
It’s an honour to nurture your outdoor spaces, watch them flourish, and help bring your vision to life season after season. Thank you for allowing me to do what I love in places you call home 💚🌸
#Grateful #GardenLife #ClientAppreciation #BloomWhereYourePlanted
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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87% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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13% No. This would be impossible in practice.
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