Construction of one of the country’s biggest transport projects is continuing at pace.
The Eastern Busway section from Pakūranga to Botany will deliver 5km of fully separated busway, five new bus stations, and 12km of walking and cycling routes.
Auckland Transport (AT) says the project will better connect east Auckland with the rest of the city, create more local transport options, and boost productivity and economic growth in the area.
Howick Local Board chairperson Damian Light says the benefits the busway will bring to the community cannot be understated.
“We’re excited to see the construction underway to deliver this critical transport project.
“Once completed, it will enable more reliable public transport for our growing community, connecting through the heart of east Auckland and into the city.
“By reducing congestion on our busy roads, the project will also deliver positive environmental outcomes, improved road safety, and regional economic benefits.
“Together with new walking and cycling infrastructure, the Eastern Busway project will provide locals with more choice.
“We’ve seen similar transformations with other projects, like the Northern Busway, and we’re pleased that East Auckland is on track to get the transport solutions we need.”
Councillor John Watson, chairperson of the council’s transport and infrastructure committee, says it’s great to see progress being made on one of the city’s major transport projects.
“There’s been significant investment across Auckland’s transport network over the last decade with a number of large-scale infrastructure projects delivered.
“Slowly but surely an integrated network is coming together with the Eastern Busway an important link for the large population catchment in this part of the region.”
AT’s group manager strategic development programmes and property, Jane Small, says the Eastern Busway Alliance is working day and night on the project and is on track to have it completed in late 2027.
“Buses will be able to bypass traffic on 5km of fully separated busway with five new bus stations, delivering a more reliable service locally and to the city,” she says.
“Another key part of the project is Rā Hihi – a new flyover in Pakūranga above Reeves Road and across Tī Rākau Drive, which will help to reduce traffic congestion around one of the country’s busiest intersections.
“Also under construction is 12km of safe and separated walking and cycling routes, which will provide more options to get around the local area safely and easily.”
As the Times has reported, the busway is being gifted te reo Māori names by local mana whenua Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Ngaati Whanaunga.
Its four new local bus stations will be Pakūranga in the town centre, Te Taha Wai near to Edgewater College and Shopping Centre, Koata by Riverhills Park, and Pōhatu in Burswood.
Te Taha Wai represents the water’s edge, the riverbanks of Te Wai o Taiki (Tāmaki River).
AT says Koata speaks to the heart of Tī Rākau, the New Zealand native cabbage tree which is found in the Pakūranga area.
Pōhatu stone or rocks. This references the outcrop of rocks in the Tāmaki estuary which Ngāi Tai legend acknowledges as the perished tūrehu and patupaiarehe peoples.
Rā Hihi is the sun’s rays. It (the flyover) will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, playing a crucial role in the busway’s success in providing quick and reliable travel, and is planned to open in 2026.
Tī Rākau will be the name of the new bridge that will sit next to Tī Rākau Drive. Rākau (tree) is also a traditional Māori stick game.
Taupaepae (to meet or escort your visitors) will be the name of the bridge joining Tī Rākau Drive and Burswood.
It represents the manaakitanga (hospitality) of AT safely guiding and transporting the community along the bridge. Paepae is the horizon.
