A record $5.7 billion transport investment has been announced over the next three years to deliver an improved transport system for Aucklanders, Transport Minister Phil Twyford has announced.
"This record investment will help unlock Auckland and save lives on our roads. It will deliver the best results for our transport dollar," Mr Twyford said.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) published details of the programme for Auckland's transport network, which comes as part of a larger $16.9 billion investment in the country's transport system set out in the 2018/21 National Land Transport Programme (NZLTP).
The funding from the plan consists of $12.9 billion from the National Land Transport Fund, generated through fuel excise, road user charges and over revenue sources; $3.4 billion from local government, generated through rates and Auckland's Regional Fuel Tax; and $547 million from other Crown investments.
The hefty investment marks a 23 per cent increase compared to the previous three-yearly 2015/18 NLTP, and a 44 per cent increase from 2012/15, Mr Twyford said.
"$875 million will be spent on programmes and projects in Auckland that will save lives. This will include revamping intersections to stop collisions, installing median barriers in high-risk areas, and increasing road policing.
"We are committed to delivering a rapid transit network for the city so we can unlock critical housing and urban development opportunities, and give people better access to jobs, health, education and recreation. With the $459 million set aside for the development of rapid transit and $266 million for transitional rail, we’re investing in light rail to Mangere, extending the Northern Busway and supporting the introduction of more electric trains.
"To ease congestion and make Auckland a healthier place to live, $1.9 billion will be invested in public transport, a 56 per cent increase from 2015/18, and $149 million for walking and cycling, a 30 per cent increase from 2015/18. This will create great walking and cycling routes in the city, including the SeaPath walking and cycling connection between Northcote Point and Esmonde Road, the SkyPath project across the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive shared path."
A further $1.5 billion investment in state highways will see the Northern Corridor project connecting the Western Ring Route to the north completed, and improvements to the Southern Corridor which will result in a safer route between the city centre and the south.
The NZTA will continue to build the 18km extension of the Northern Motorway (SH1) from Pūhoi to Warkworth.
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