Central Connector ahead of schedule

Quicker bus travel: The Central Connector project is currently on budget, ahead of schedule and expected to be finished by the end of the year.

From City Scene, published on 5 April, 2009.

Quicker bus travel between the CBD and Newmarket is a step closer following the completion of the Anzac Avenue section. In addition to a faster, more reliable bus service, the streets around the route will be improved with new footpaths and street furniture. Walking and cycling facilities will be upgraded and Grafton Bridge is due to be re-strengthened in time for its 100-year anniversary in early 2010.

The project is currently on budget, ahead of schedule and expected to be finished by the end of the year.

Chairperson of the Transport Committee councillor Ken Baguley says the Central Connector aims to give people better travel choices. "Travel choice is an integral part of unlocking our economic potential. Apart from providing quality infrastructure, we know that to be a successful city we must have efficient and effective transport networks, efficiently moving goods and people."

Progress update

Anzac Avenue: The first section of the Central Connector, is now complete. The green bus lanes are in place, with new street furniture and bins. The streetscape upgrade at the corner of Beach Road is due for completion in April.
Symonds Street: This is 95 per cent complete on the lower section around the university and it is 15 per cent complete on the upper part. A new pedestrian crossing between the engineering school and the recreation centre will make crossing Symonds Street safer and new lighting for the road and footpaths means added security at night.
Grafton Bridge: Work is currently on track for the bridge to be reopened by the end of the year. The next couple of months involves strengthening work on the underside, work to improve lateral strength against earthquakes and general use, and fixing the cracks in the concrete.
Park Road: Work to upgrade stormwater and wastewater systems continues outside Auckland City Hospital and surrounding streets. New tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera) will be planted along the front of the hospital. Additionally, new footpaths, lighting poles, street furniture and high-quality paving will be located outside the shops.