Brown Advocates for Intersection Upgrade While Opposing Cycle Lane

In a significant development for local traffic management, Simeon Brown, Minister for Auckland and Member of Parliament for Pakuranga, has welcomed plans for an overhaul of the intersection connecting the te Rā Hihi Flyover with Pakuranga Road. However, he has expressed strong opposition to the proposed cycle lane and is calling for confirmation of a start date for construction, ideally during the upcoming summer holidays.

Calls for Immediate Action on Intersection Improvements

Brown has voiced his determination to expedite the necessary upgrades, emphasizing the urgent need for enhancements to address ongoing traffic issues. “While this is good news, we’re yet to see a proposed design for these changes,” he stated. “I remain concerned about the planned inclusion of a cycle lane along this part of Pakuranga Road.”

As the Health Minister, Brown argues that the data indicates minimal demand for a cycle lane in the area. “Transport data clearly shows a very small number of people in this area would even use one, and it simply makes no sense to sacrifice space on the road for something that will get no use,” he added. He intends to petition Auckland Transport (AT) to reconsider the cycle lane proposal, prioritizing the needs of the 40,000-plus daily drivers.

Last week, AT acknowledged existing challenges with the intersection. “The preferred design option for the improved intersection will also aim to ease the left turn so drivers don’t need to slow down as much and maintain the cycleway within the existing corridor,” an AT spokesperson stated.

Intersection Design and Traffic Flow Improvements

Brown’s advocacy for the community is underscored by his request for prompt action. He believes the redesign should commence shortly after Christmas. “With upcoming works on Ti Rakau Drive specifically scheduled to take advantage of lower traffic volumes around New Years, it would make sense to build the redesigned flyover intersection around the same time,” he explained.

While AT has confirmed plans to reinstate a third lane along Pakuranga Road to enhance traffic flow toward the flyover and Howick, they have not provided a specific start date for construction, only indicating that it is targeted for early 2024.

Brown expressed satisfaction with AT’s responsiveness to community concerns regarding congestion and safety. “I’m pleased to see AT listening to common sense, following the public outcry from locals about worsening congestion in the evenings and concerns about safety, with multiple accidents occurring since the intersection was opened,” he noted.

The te Rā Hihi Flyover, which officially opened on October 18, 2023, was completed at a cost of $152 million, coming in $4 million under budget and four months ahead of schedule. It serves as a critical element of the broader $1.3 billion Eastern Busway project.

As discussions continue, Brown remains steadfast in his commitment to advocating for a safe and efficient redesign of the intersection. The proposed changes, according to AT, are designed to improve safety and traffic flow for all road users, including drivers, bus passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

For further updates on this evolving situation, local residents are encouraged to stay informed through community channels and official announcements from Auckland Transport.