A long-awaited flyover in east Auckland which will reduce congestion at one of the country's busiest intersections has been officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony today.
Rā Hihi, also known locally as the Reeves Rd Flyover, directly links the Pakuranga Highway to the Waipuna Bridge in east Auckland.
The 600m-long, 10m-high structure carries four lanes of traffic – two in each direction – and will ease congestion around the Pakuranga Town Centre.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Transport Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown were all present at this morning's opening.
Auckland Transport will open the flyover to citybound traffic in October, before being opened in both directions from late October following the completion of intersection work.
This opening was five months ahead of schedule and the project would come in more than $4m below budget, the transport agency said.
In a post to Facebook, Bishop said it was a "very important project" for east Auckland and "one they've waited a long time for".
Auckland Transport chief executive Dean Kimpton said the flyover would have benefits for drivers and enabled better public transport options for the busway being constructed beneath it.
"We are stoked to be able to open Rā Hihi ahead of schedule and below budget, bringing long awaited improvements to east Auckland drivers earlier than expected. I’d like to thank locals for their patience during construction."
He said the flyover allowed the Eastern Busway, "a key part of Auckland's rapid transit network", to be extended from Pakuranga to Botany.
"With high frequency buses, the Eastern Busway will provide a reliable 40-minute bus and train trip between Botany, Pakuranga, Panmure and the city centre at Waitematā Station.
"When City Rail Link opens next year people will be able to use the already open section of the busway from Pakuranga to catch a quick bus and a direct train to Eden Park, New Lynn and Henderson. When the full busway to Botany opens our connected network will make it easy to get from East to West Auckland without driving."
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