The Government has scrapped a major road infrastructure project that would have reduced traffic congestion through south-east Auckland.
Transport Minister Michael Wood recently announced the Mill Road corridor project would not go ahead.
“If we had proceeded with Mill Road as originally scoped, it would have cost up to $3.5 billion and, at peak, produced six tonnes of CO2 emissions a day,” he says.
“Instead, we’ve focused on delivering important safety improvements to Mill Road, upgrades to SH1 (State Highway One) and rail, and new rail stations connected to public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure.”
The 21.5km Mill Road corridor project was part of the NZ upgrade programme of infrastructure works, designed to support the country’s economic recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It ran parallel to State Highway One from Flat Bush and Manukau to Papakura and Drury.
The planned work included upgrading Mill Road’s existing two-lane sections to four lanes and connecting to new parts of the corridor being built across greenfield sites, according to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
NZTA previously estimated its cost to be $1.345b.
“The four-lane corridor, with a separated walking and cycling path, will ensure better access to places of work, education and play as well as support the improvement of public transport services,” the agency says.
Howick ward councillors Sharon Stewart and Paul Young both oppose the Government’s decision to scrap the project.
Stewart says she’s disappointed by the move.
“It was already long overdue and an upgrade would have provided a safer and more reliable transport corridor to support the rapid residential and employment growth we are seeing in east and south Auckland.
“The uncertainty around this project is also really unfair to the property owners along the Mill Road corridor.”
Young says: “I appreciate there was a cost blowout to the project but it’s a huge shame to lose this planned strategic upgrade that would have benefited the entire Auckland region, providing a connection from the south to the fast-growing east, particularly Flat Bush and Ormiston.
“However, I’m glad to see the downsized package includes some safety improvements to Mill Road and enhancements to SH1 along with new rail stations.
“Proper transport is the most important thing for Auckland’s future and we just need to get it done.”
The Mill Road project was on the Howick Local Board’s agenda for its April business meeting when it received a report on the Auckland Transport regional land transport programme 2021.
The board’s members voted to provide feedback on the programme which included maintaining funding of and commencing construction on three projects, being widening of the Smales Road and Allens Road intersection, the Stancombe Road connector in Flat Bush, and the Mill Road upgrade.
Board chairperson Adele White told the Times: “The Mill Road upgrade is a long-standing project.
“If completed it would have had a significantly positive impact on traffic in this vastly-growing area.”
