Proposed bus/T3 lane design along SH20B

SH20B: PUBLIC CONSULTATION NOW OPEN

Safer speed and bylaw on bus/T3 lane proposals for State Highway 20B

12 OCTOBER - 8 NOVEMBER 2020

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is improving State Highway 20B (SH20B) to provide a safer journey experience and more reliable travel choices with new priority lanes in each direction between Pukaki Creek Bridge and the interchange with State Highway 20.

To provide safer and more reliable journeys on SH20B, we want to hear from you on the proposed:

• Speed limit change from current 100km/h to 60km/h 
• Bylaw on the dedicated bus and Transit 3 (T3) lanes.

Please give us your feedback by visiting Have your say.

Proposed speed limit along SH20B

SAFER SPEED REVIEW

We are proposing to reduce the speed limit on SH20B between Manukau Memorial Gardens and Orrs Road from 100km/h to 60km/h.

More than 28,000 vehicles travel along SH20B each day. With a new road layout, new walking and cycling facilities, new intersections and future development planned, we want to make the state highway safer for everyone who travels along it.

In November 2019 Waka Kotahi asked for feedback on our proposed speed limit changes on this road once construction is complete. 86% of people said they’d like to see a reduced speed limit on this section of the state highway. Of these, 76% of people supported a reduced speed limit of 60km/h for a safer corridor.

We want to hear from you about the proposed change before we make a decision. Please visit our website for more information and to have your say. 

BUS AND T3 LANE BYLAW

Waka Kotahi is also proposing a dedicated bus lane in each direction between Pukaki Creek Bridge and SH20/SH20B interchange to provide more reliable public transport services and support frequent bus services between the airport and Puhinui Station Interchange.

To maximise efficiency of the new lanes, our proposal also allows vehicles with three or more people (T3) to use the new bus lanes, to reduce congestion and ease pressure off SH20B.

We’re proposing these lanes be operational 24 hours, seven days a week once the early improvements work is complete in 2021. Formal consultation on a bus and T3 lane bylaw is required under Section 22AD of the Land Transport Act 1998.

Please share any comments or feedback on the proposed bus and T3 lane bylaw before we make a decision. Please visit our website for more information.

NEXT STEPS

The consultation closes on 8 November 2020.

Waka Kotahi will review all the responses received and issue the final decision on our website. The changes will also be publicly available when published in the NZ Gazette. (late 2020 to early 2021)

The new speed limit and priority lanes would be implemented upon completion of the SH20B improvement works. (early to mid 2021)

We want to hear from you

You can share your feedback with us on both the proposed speed limit change and the proposed new bylaw by visiting

nzta.govt.nz/projects/southwest-gateway/20connect.

Please call us at 0800 133 331 or email sh20B@nzta.govt.nz if you have any questions about the consultation process or the SH20B Early Improvements project.

Project overview

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Auckland International Airport Limited are upgrading State Highway 20B for better and more reliable travel options with a new shared path and additional priority lanes between Pukaki Creek Bridge and State Highway 20.

This project will integrate with improved transport facilities within the airport precinct along SH20B and at the upgraded Puhinui Station Interchange.

The project is the first step of the Southwest Gateway programme to provide better public transport, walking and cycling facilities with safer and more efficient freight movements to, from and around Southwest Auckland.

Fulton Hogan undertakes this work on behalf of Waka Kotahi.

Key early improvements on State Highway 20B to be delivered by 2021 include:

• A safe place for people to walk and ride bikes
• Safety improvements including central median barrier protection, improved lighting and a reduced speed
• Improved pavement, drainage and stormwater treatment
• Two improved intersections at Campana Road and Manukau Memorial Gardens.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.

For more information on the project, you can also visit our website at www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/southwest-gateway/20connect/