Auckland's East West Link under spotlight ahead of open days

MetroPort Auckland, a Port of Tauranga container facility in Onehunga, is situated near Neilson St and Church St, where the East West Link aims to alleviate traffic congestion. Photo / Supplied

Aucklanders are to be given another chance to have their say on one of the city's most expensive roading projects - the $1.85 billion East West Link.

Critics of the project say it could be completed for much less with the New Zealand Transport Agency opting for the priciest option.

The East West Link is a staged full connection on the north side of the Mangere Inlet between SH1 to SH20 and the transport agency says it will improve connections in the Onehunga-Penrose area which is vital to Auckland and New Zealand's economy.

More than 130,000 people are employed in the wider East Tamaki and Auckland Airport area which generates $10 billion a year in GDP.

"As well as the transport improvements this project will also help enhance important features in the area by improving access to the foreshore and providing a more natural coastal edge and adding new walking and cycling paths," said the agency's Auckland highways manager Brett Gliddon.

Current estimates are that the cost will range from $1.25 to $1.85 billion - the Waterview Connection, the country's most expensive road tunnel project, is projected to cost $1.4 billion.

Prime Minister John Key announced the Government would streamline funding for the project at the same announcement that he formalised spending on the City Rail Link.

As well as improving freight movements, the East West project will also include several intersection upgrades and Mr Gliddon said it would reduce local traffic on Neilson St.

However, convenor for the Campaign for Better Transport, Cameron Pitches, said the East West Link could be built for $1 billion dollars cheaper and have almost the same benefits.

"It's just bizarre that the Government can find an extra billion dollars to gold-plate what is essentially a short motorway for trucks. It's such a waste of money."

A series of public open days and drop in sessions are being held in July where people can speak with the team and can have their say on key interchanges at Neilson St and Princes St, walking and cycling connections in the area and key aspects of the environment.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2018, subject to approvals.

Open Days

Saturday 2 July: Library Café, 55 Princes Street, Onehunga (9am-1pm)

Saturday 9 July: Bedingfield Memorial Park, Princes Street, Otahuhu (10am-3pm)

Tuesday 12 July: Library Café, 55 Princes Street, Onehunga (5.30pm-9pm)

Drop in sessions

East West Link project office, 10 Gloucester Park Road, Onehunga

• Wednesday 6, Thursday 7 July: 1pm-7pm

• Wednesday 13, Thursday 14 July: 1pm-7pm

For more information please call our freephone 0508 NZTA EWL (0508 698 2395). People can also give their feedback using a new feedback tool at: www.nzta.govt.nz/east-west