Final stage of Eastern Busway finally underway
On Friday morning, we were invited to the sod turning for the final stage of the Eastern Busway project. Mayor Wayne Brown, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Hon Chris Bishop, Auckland Transport Chair Andrew Richie, and local MP Simeon Brown MP were present to get the project officially underway.
Howick Local Board was represented by Chair Bruce Kendall, Deputy Kai Zeng, and Members Adele White, Jack Collins, John Spiller, Mike Turinsky, Peter Young, and I.
This section will complete the 5km of dedicated busway and 12km walking and cycling paths from Tī Rākau Drive, through Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve (behind The Hub) to connect with Te Irirangi Road and the Botany Town Centre.
Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve is an area of high ecological importance. As part of the project’s consent conditions, the Eastern Busway captured and relocated 350 lizards to a new habitat at Burswood Reserve.
In partnership with Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters and mana whenua, the stormwater pond will be enhanced, pest plant species removed, and more native species planted. The Alliance is also upgrading the playground at nearby Huntington Park as part of the consent conditions for this section.
It’s not an easy site, with a Transpower electricity cable supplying power to most of Auckland and Northland running through the project area.
We’re still waiting for the design and location of the Botany Station, which is critical to the operation of the busway. As someone who regularly catches the bus to/from Botany, I know that the current arrangement (within the Botany Town Centre) struggles to cope with demand – more buses will need more space. Auckland Transport assures me they are making good progress on this.
You can find out more about the project (including how to contact the Eastern Busway Alliance project team) at their website: www.easternbusway.nz