Residents wait to learn fate

People living near the Te Atatu Interchange learned yesterday about plans for Northwestern Motorway widening, but do not know exactly how their homes will be affected.

Last night, resident Steve Pedersen said his home was visited by a Transport Agency representative who gave out letters and a brochure showing a map of roadway widening works.

"All we can find out is that it looks like we may be affected ... but there's nothing in concrete," said the Alwyn Ave resident of 20 years.

"It's a brilliant place and I hope NZTA may shorten the section, rather than bulldoze it.

"But I'd like them to look at a realignment on the Te Atatu Peninsula side which would not affect homes."

Mr Pedersen said he had spent $180,000 renovating the home after roading authorities responded to his inquiry about five years ago by saying nothing was planned for the motorway.

He was considering putting the $800,000-plus home up for sale before the housing market collapsed.

"It upsets me that now they have taken away the option to sell should we want to move to another property."

On the Te Atatu Peninsula side of the motorway, Frank Jackson said last night he had seen a notice in his letterbox saying his Titoki St property "may be involved".

"About half a dozen of us have got one," he said.

"I'm not happy at the moment but I need to talk to the agency.

"It's a good solid home we moved into 53 years ago before the motorway was here. But it's a quarter acre and I'm in my 80s."

Lorraine Hessell who has lived near the motorway offramp for 40 years, said she had not spoken to the transport agency but had received a letter.

She recalled being part of a residents' protest which fended off plans for a "diamond interchange".

Sandra Kerridge, whose home overlooks the motorway said: "A guy bought the letter to the door. I don't know how much they are going to take.

"There will be a lot of people upset. We love it here."