Editorial: New link vital for Auckland

So much has Auckland's motorway development been neglected that it is little wonder John Banks swept into the mayoralty. His championing of the stalled eastern highway and the extension of State Highway 20, from Hillsborough to the Northwestern Motorway, registered with the city's frustrated motorists. Long ago, the provision of roads fell behind the growth in the number of motor vehicles. The resultant clogged roads affect every driver and extract a heavy economic price. The business sector puts that cost at $1 billion a year. In such circumstances, it is heartening to see Mr Banks, and Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis, producing action to match his much-voiced determination to complete Auckland's motorway system.

The 25km Eastern Expressway unveiled late last week will run from Hobson Bay through the eastern suburbs to Manukau. Its necessity is beyond question. Statistics say as much. It is predicted, for example, to slash 40 minutes off the journey into the city for long-suffering Pakuranga motorists. Equally, it will take traffic off clogged arterial roads, including the 1000-plus trucks a day that lumber up Ngapipi Rd. If there are any concerns about the $460 million project, they lie in the detail, not the concept. Potential problems must be recognised and eradicated at the planning stage.

Chief among these is the possibility of a bottleneck when city-bound cars from the expressway merge with traffic on hectic Tamaki Drive. It seems, at the very least, that Quay St will have to be widened to funnel traffic efficiently. Other development might also be required if that traffic is to move smoothly towards the Harbour Bridge. The prospect of a privately funded tolled tunnel under the Waitemata, which Mr Banks holds dear, would obviously help matters. But it is unlikely to be built by 2006 to 2008, when the expressway is scheduled for completion. In the meantime, steps must be taken to prevent a bottleneck that would make the final approach to the city from the east even more tortuous than at the moment.

Those responsible for the expressway might also consider whether four lanes for motor vehicles and two bus lanes will be adequate. This is Auckland's biggest roading project since the Harbour Bridge. It would be unfortunate if the mistake of failing to correctly evaluate the volume of traffic were repeated. Given the population growth in the eastern suburbs, it is valid to ask whether six lanes for motor vehicles would not be more realistic. Or failing that, whether heavy traffic should be required to share the bus lanes. The planners may consider that the toll on the expressway will persuade some motorists to stick to the free alternative route. But the toll will not apply for ever and planning must acknowledge the likely popularity of the expressway when it is lifted.

If there was a jarring note about the expressway announcement, it lay in the city council's lack of communication with the residents of 200 homes in Ti Rakau Drive in the road's path. They first heard of their fate on the television news. In a twinkling, they learned their lives were to be turned upside down. Understandably, this has exacerbated their anger. A more compassionate approach would have been to notify them of the implications of the expressway, and their options, before the project was unveiled.

The fire-and-brimstone talk of such residents, and others who fear their environment will be harmed, must not, however, divert attention from the absolute requirement for the expressway. Further procrastination serves no purpose. This vital link in Auckland's motorway system must proceed without delay.

Feature: Getting Auckland moving

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