Ti Rākau Drive congestion
Ti Rākau Drive is a major arterial route, carrying around 30,000 vehicles per day – similar numbers to Pakūranga Road. I have heard loud and clear that residents and businesses are frustrated by the congestion and delays on this critical road.
Some of this is from the impact of the construction of the Eastern Busway, with disruption from the temporary and permanent works. As a regular user of this road, I understand how painful it is with congestion, changes to road layout, and impact on travel times. The impacts are worse for residents and businesses who live along the route.
These are some of the major concerns that I have heard from locals:
construction impact on residents living on/near Ti Rākau Drive including noise, dust, changes to layout, impact on privacy and access to properties.
impact on travel times along Ti Rākau Drive, including the introduction of new signalised intersections, lane layout changes, and other construction impacts.
congestion on/around Ra Hihi flyover leading to queues while vehicles using alternative routes further impact Ti Rākau Drive.
This is not an exhaustive list and I understand that many locals are frustrated by what feels like endless construction. Each day brings new challenges especially as the construction moves further down Ti Rākau Drive towards Botany. One of the tightest points on Ti Rākau Drive (near the bus depot) is heavily effected, creating a choke point for traffic especially in peak periods.
To be clear, I support the Eastern Busway project – we need better transport options in East Auckland to support our large and growing population and public transport is part of the answer to the challenge of moving more people. But I do not necessarily agree with all the design choices made by the project – the most significant being the Burswood Diversion which I argued against (I was proud to lead the Howick Local Board submission against it).
Throughout my term on the Howick Local Board (and before), I have raised concerns with the Eastern Busway project team about the impact on locals before, during, and after construction.
But I do not have a magic wand - the Howick Local Board does not have control over this project and we are informed, not consulted. It is funded and governed by Auckland Transport and NZTA (central government). Because we are not decision-makers, these opportunities have often been during informal meetings where there are no minutes.
I acknowledge that I could be more proactive in making these concerns clear. And I will continue to advocate for local residents and businesses as best I can. I have asked the Eastern Busway for information on the travel times along Ti Rākau Drive and have followed up again.
In the meantime, if you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know. I will do my best to answer and respond.
Learn more about the Eastern Busway project at easternbusway.nz including how to contact them to raise your concerns and seek further information.