ARTA Annual Report 2009 - Auckland Transport

Bus infrastructure
Central Connector work continues
The Central Connector busway will provide quicker, more efficient travel between the CBD and Newmarket
via key locations such as Auckland Hospital and The University of Auckland. It is crucial to linking into the
Northern Busway at Britomart and connecting future bus improvement projects on Great South, Manukau
and Remuera roads. It will also complement the rail network by providing a travel option to Britomart and
Newmarket stations.
Improved cycle and pedestrian facilities are also part of the project, which began in April 2008. An estimated
2,600 bus journeys, and 65,000 passengers are expected to use the route between Newmarket and the CBD
each weekday.
The connector includes:
• dedicated 24-hour bus lanes with safe cycle passing
• new bus stops at key locations
• improved traffic signals and new pedestrian crossings
• improved street lighting
• new and improved bus shelters and bike stands.
Grafton Bridge was closed to vehicles in October 2008 to allow for strengthening work. Construction is
under way in Park Road between Grafton Bridge and Khyber Pass Road, and Symonds Street between
Karangahape Road and Waterloo Quadrant. The Park Road stage of the project is due to be completed in
September 2009.
Progress on AMETI
The Auckland-Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) aims to emulate the success of the Northern
Busway, by creating a rapid transport corridor from Botany through Pakuranga to Panmure, linking up to
the rail station at Panmure. ARTA is working with local councils to designate the extra land required for the
route, and on road designs.
Plans to extend the Northern Busway
Long-term plans for the Northern Busway are to extend it north in two stages. The first stage is from
Constellation to Albany; the second stage is from Albany to Silverdale. ARTA is working with the NZ Transport
Agency on land designation and protection until funds are available for construction.
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