Tweaks to Takaanini level crossings
Auckland Transport are tweaking their proposals for removing level crossings in Takaanini.
Updated plans for four new bridges to replace level crossings in Takaanini aim to save money and minimise construction disruption.
The Takaanini bridges are the next phase of the Auckland Rail Level Crossing Programme, which helps unlock the full potential of City Rail Link by allowing more frequent trains while keeping traffic moving and improving safety.…
32 Comments The higher cost of a “cheaper” CRL
Almost two years after leaving as chief executive of City Rail Link Ltd to deliver Dublin’s MetroLink, Dr Sean Sweeny is back. And back in the news, critiquing the cost of the project he once headed.
While I get the points he’s making, and agree with some of them, his comments suggest he’s perhaps too focused on the individual project, at the expense of the massive benefits it delivers to the wider network.…
CRL Services getting back on track
After our rising concern about the direction of the City Rail Link and how services would operate through it, it is good to see things are starting to get back on track.
As we highlighted a few months ago, it appeared Auckland Transport were about to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory – especially after we saw the hidden details of their first timetable test.…
Better scrutiny – but a RoNS-sized loophole?
Better information and advice about infrastructure projects is needed but it won’t do much if government ministers don’t listen to it.
Some of the recommendations of the recently released National Infrastructure Plan revolved around providing better scrutiny over infrastructure projects and yesterday at the Infrastructure Commission’s conference, the government announced changes to how that happens.…
Is reality setting in, re the Northland RONS?
There have been a couple of pieces this week about a few parts of the Northland Motorway that show reality is starting to bubble up – but will it reach the surface in time?
On Monday there was an op-ed in the Northern Advocate, from Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper.…
Getting better use of our transport networks.
Letting trucks use bus lanes – currently being proposed as a fuel crisis measure – might sound like a sensible solution, but it risks undermining broader goals around our transport system.
At the end of last week saw a few interesting comments from Mainfreight CEO Don Braid, and a swift response from Mayor Wayne Brown.…
AT Surveying about Western Line Level Crossings
As we’ve highlighted before, when the City Rail Link opens later this year the Western Line is set to benefit the most. Not only will it see the addition of two new city-centre stations (which all lines will benefit from), it also gets a significantly upgraded station (Maungawhau).…
City Deal, or No Deal?
On Friday, the government and the Mayor of Auckland celebrated the signing of a ‘City Deal’ for Auckland, the first such arrangement in the country. But is it really that much of a deal for our city, or just another empty handshake?…
Is government grasping the crisis and opportunities?
With the fuel crisis ramping up, all eyes are on the government’s response. Officially there’s a plan, with four phases. There are two relatively similar phases, Watchful and Precautionary – and then a quantum leap to quite serious measures at phases 3 and 4, Managed and Protected, both currently under consultation.…
New pathways Whau the people
The last week has seen not one but two important additions to Auckland’s cycling network, a positive sign of what’s possible in otherwise stressful times.
On Tuesday, a dawn karakia marked the official completion of the Great North Rd improvements.
The bike lanes along the ridge have already been open for some time, and they have made a huge improvement to both the corridor itself, and all ages access to and around adjacent neighbourhoods.…
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