And one that is a DOH!

 

I had a look through the February agenda paper for Auckland Transport and found some interesting titbits from the CEO Dr David Warburton’s report.

The good (or rather interesting:

• NZTA has also recently approved a retrospective cost scope adjustment for construction costs for Manukau Transport Interchange. Also approved was additional funding for the design work ($670,000
• Detailed design work is progressing with NZTA to ensure their Kirkbride Interchange will future proof a rail connection (either light rail or commuter (heavy) rail)
• Ōtāhuhu Interchange
  The enabling works consisting of piling and demolition activities was successfully completed by Fulton Hogan during the Christmas Block of Line. The ‘preloading’ construction package is planned for February to mitigate differential settlement issues prior to main works commencing in June 2015. A value engineered concept package was approved by PT operations in December 2014 and the preliminary design package is now 95% complete. The design team has been instructed to proceed with developed design. The project remains on budget subject to usual value management processes. A number of construction procurement strategies are being considered for the main works phase to optimise delivery and this may result in further packages of work being brought forward. The project is currently scheduled for completion by the end of February 2016; ahead of the new network rollout.
• Manukau Interchange
  Consent applications have been lodged for project enabling works, which includes earthworks and services. The main building works design is continuing and construction of the building will be let as a separate contract. Project completion is planned for the first quarter of 2016 to align with the new network rollout.

 

Unfortunately while there is always the good stuff like the above someone would have screwed something up like this one (which is not Auckland Transport’s fault by the way, this one belongs to the Councillors as well as the legacy era):

• Westgate
  Construction works have commenced for the widening of Fred Taylor Drive Stage 1 (Hobsonville Rd/SH16 interchange to Fernhill Rd intersection). Programmed completion date is mid-August 2015 which will ensure traffic congestion is minimised when DNZ’s shopping mall opens on 1 October 2015. New services to Westgate are expected to start in October 2016, and an interchange is required to cater for these services. Council planners have indicated that the resource consent application for bus interchange is likely to be publicly notified, and any submission will delay the project. Temporary bus shelters along Tawhia Drive (Rua Road) has been planned to manage this risk. AT is working on a development agreement with NZRPG for the provision of Bus Interchanges within their development. A Terms Sheet to form the basis for this development agreement has been prepared; and awaiting comments from NZRPG. Risk of NZRPG not willing to enter into an agreement has been identified. An alternative solution is for AT to build an off-street facility near the town centre which would require additional funds for land purchasing, and a new business case.

I am sure perhaps the former Waitakere City and Auckland Regional Councils might have been a bit quicker and set some plans and/or land aside for a Westgate Bus Interchange? Or the Council today doing the same back with the 2012-2022 Regional Land Transport Program.

Whatever the case may have been then it is going to be more costly now getting the Westgate Bus Interchange in position sooner rather than later.

 

I can also say that there is more exciting stuff working its way through the pipeline over the next three months as well. What are they? You will have to wait and see 😉

 

The CEO’s Report