Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do we need this project?
- How long would it take to build?
- How will NZTA deal with me if I own property that’s needed for the portals or the interchanges?
- How does the project fit with other travel options?
- How will the project connect at each end?
- How do I get more information about the project?
- What is the Western Ring Route?
- Why is it important to finish it?
- Where does the Waterview connection project fit in?
- What route will it take?
- What happens when the traffic gets to SH16?
- How many properties are affected?
- How does this property number compare to the previous tunnel option?
- Have the property owners been notified?
- How much will the project cost?
- How will it be funded?
- How does the cost compare to the previous tunnel project?
- Why was this option chosen?
- When will it be built?
- How will you communicate with the community on these issues?
- What is the process to reach a final decision?
1. Why do we need this project?
The Waterview Connection completes the Western Ring Route, an alternative north-south motorway route that does not rely on the southern motorway or the Auckland Harbour Bridge. It’ll take through traffic off local roads and out of the central business district. Reduced congestion will boost the economy, improve access to employment areas and create jobs.
2. How long would it take to build?
NZTA is looking at the Waterview Connection being ready in 2015/16 if construction starts in late 2011.
3. How will NZTA deal with me if I own property that's needed for the project?
NZTA will negotiate with you on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis to purchase your property at market value. We will pay for your valuer as well as any legal fees involved in the transaction. We will also contribute to your removal costs.
NZTA purchases land through an independent agent to ensure transparency and fairness. Compensation for directly affected landowners and occupiers will be provided under the Public Works Act. Further detail of this process is available in the publication "Landowner's Rights - when the Crown requires your land for a Public Work" available from Land Information New Zealand
4. How does the project fit with other travel options?
Taking business freight and other through traffic off local roads will free them up for improved public transport.
The existing northwestern cycleway connection will remain at the southern end, the Mt Roskill cycleway (under construction) will be extended to connect with Richardson Road.
Extending Maioro St to connect to Stoddard Rd will provide a new pedestrian (and vehicle)connection between New Windsor and Mt Roskill / Wesley areas of Auckland.The project also creates opportunities to provide an Oakley Creek walkway and has been designed to allow for the future expansion of the Avondale Southdown rail line and its electrification.
5. How will the project connect at each end?
At the southern end at Maioro Street the project will join the Mt Roskill Extension of SH20 that is about to open, and there will be on and off ramps so traffic can enter from or exit to Richardson or Stoddard Roads.
At the northern end traffic can enter or exit to and from the northwestern motorway (SH16) in both directions.
6. How do I have a say about the project?
You can contact the project team at waterview.connection@nzta.govt.nz or phone them on 09 368 2160.
7. What is the Western Ring Route?
It is an alternative 48km motorway between Manukau City in the south and North Shore City at Albany in the north that links three state highways, the Southwestern Motorway (SH20), the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) and the Upper Harbour Highway (SH18). It will reduce reliance on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and on the Southern Motorway. It is one of seven roads of national significance announced recently by the government.
8. Why is it important to finish it?
The completion of the Western Ring Route will have national and regional economic benefits. The connection will improve travel times and access between the west and the south including Auckland Airport for commuters and businesses and provide a motorway link from the CBD to the airport. An economic assessment shows that this improved reliability and accessibility will contribute more than one billion dollars to the Auckland economy. The full benefits of all the other sections of the Western Ring Route and the investments made in them will be realised once they are all connected.
9. Where does the Waterview connection project fit in?
It will connect SH20 at Mt Roskill to SH16 at Waterview near Great North Road.
10. What route will it take?
In the south, it starts at Maioro Street where the Mt Roskill project ends and then goes under Richardson Road and through the Alan Wood Reserve next to the rail corridor. Then it goes into a tunnel under New North Road and Avondale Heights emerging near the intersection of Blockhouse Bay and Great North Roads.
It will then be built under Great North Road before connecting to SH16.
11. What happens when the traffic gets to SH16?
SH16 will be widened between St Lukes and Te Atatu to accommodate the extra traffic and allow for future improvements such as priority lanes and the causeway will be raised to improve road safety.
12. How many properties are affected?
The new route directly affects 365 residential properties. NZTA already owns 126 of these, which means 239 additional properties will need to be purchased and about 110 strata titles.
13. How does this property number compare to the previous tunnel option?
About 160 properties were required for the tunnel scheme.
14. Have the property owners been notified?
NZTA has already initiated contact with owners and will be following this up with any we haven’t been able to contact to date. Any owners that haven’t heard from us are encouraged to make contact so we can discuss their situation.
15. How much will the project cost?
The project has an estimated cost of $1.4billion
16. How will it be funded?
The project is affordable within existing funding and the NZTA Board will include the project in the 2009-2012 National Land Transport Programme.
17. How does the cost compare to the previous tunnel project?
It’s about a billion dollars less. No debt financing will be required and the construction methods are cheaper.
18. Why was this option chosen?
It was seen to be the best balance between cost and effects.
This option has the least effect on neighbourhoods and parks and avoids significant community sporting facilities and impacts on Oakley Creek. Although it is the most expensive of the options looked at, the Board believes it balances the need to complete the Western Ring Route with the needs of the community.
19. When will it be built?
We anticipate construction starting in 2011 after the statutory processes have been completed and the motorway taking around four years to build.
20. How will you communicate with the community on these issues?
We will speak directly with affected residents and property owners including Auckland City Council and key stakeholders on the project. We are keen to work with the local community to reduce effects on them and will hold project open days where people can get information, discuss their concerns and provide us with feedback. We’ll work with Auckland City and others on a draft urban design strategy that can be shared with community interest for comment.
21. What is the process to reach a final decision?
After a period of community engagement on the option until the end of July, NZTA will prepare a report for its board that summarises the process and the feedback received. The board will then consider this before it confirms an option for consenting.
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