Red letter day for Auckland transport applauded

Launching the tender for completing the western ring route at Waterview is a red letter day for Auckland and the country, says Alasdair Thompson, chief executive of the Employers & Manufacturers Association.

“Completing the Waterview link will deliver huge efficiency gains to the region’s transport network by changing traffic flow patterns for the better,” Mr Thompson said.

“For instance, with Waterview in place up to 30 per cent less traffic will flow through spaghetti junction; the country stands to gain over $4 in economic terms for every dollar invested.

“Our commuters and businesses alike urgently need efficiency gains like this to make up for increased fuel prices from such as the emissions trading scheme.

“EMA has pushed for faster completion of the project at every opportunity.

“Our request now is for NZTA to accelerate the project with every means possible.”