Consent approval paves the way for better transport choices
Better, safer cycling and walking connections are a step closer following consent approval for the next stage of SH1 Papakura to Drury.
An expert consenting panel granted resource consents and confirmed notices of requirement for Stage 1B1 of the project last Friday, which include a new walking and cycling path and an upgraded Drury interchange to enable rail electrification.
The applications were lodged and processed under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020.
This marks an important step forward in providing southern Auckland with better transport choices for both existing communities and the extra 120,000 people who will make the area home over the next 30 years.
Physical work for Stage 1B1 (shown in orange on the map below) is expected to start in early 2022, beginning initially with the construction of new raised bridges at Drury interchange to enable electrification of the railway line between Papakura and Pukekohe. Construction of the main interchange is expected to start in mid-2023.
The upgraded Drury interchange will largely be re-built on the eastern side of the existing interchange to help minimise disruption to motorists. It will also include additional lanes and paths on Great South Road through the interchange, improved environmental outcomes including stormwater treatment, and better access for over-height vehicles.
The consent also gives the green light for a new shared path for people on foot and on bikes, built alongside the northbound lane of SH1 between Papakura and Drury. It will extend the Southern Path between Takanini and Papakura, which was opened earlier this year, and link with the next stage (1B2) of the project when consented.
Stage 1B2 (shown in grey) is being consented separately to allow appropriate time for the consideration of the project’s impact on an identified site of cultural significance spanning both sides of the motorway. We are working closely with Mana Whenua on this important mahi and hope to lodge consents for this stage next year.
Construction on Stage 1A (shown in green) began earlier this year after consents were granted in 2020.
The Papakura to Drury projects sits alongside others which fall under the New Zealand Upgrade Programme’s (NZUP) South Auckland package, which includes three new train stations, Papakura to Pukekohe rail electrification, a new third main rail line, Drury local transport network improvements and a re-scoped northern section of Mill Road focused on safety.
Waka Kotahi is delivering the New Zealand Upgrade Programme with KiwiRail, the Government’s $8.7 billion transport investment in growing areas across the country. The result will be transport improvements that provide more travel choice and help people get where they’re going more safely, while contributing to economic growth and responding to the impacts of travel on the environment.
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