ARTA and AMETI strategy: package 1 – endorsement and design funding

Applicant

Auckland Regional Transport Authority

Purpose

To seek the Board’s endorsement of Package 1 of ARTA’s Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative and its approval of design funding for activities outlined in this paper.

Date of decision

31 July 2009

Resolutions

The NZ Transport Agency Board:

  1. endorses the Auckland Regional Transport Authority’s (ARTA’s) Package 1 of the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) as the preferred option;
  2. approves funding for the design of ARTA’s activities in AMETI Package, at an estimated cost of $10.6 million and a funding assistance rate of 53% (NZTA share $5.6 million) from N funds, subject to:
    1. ARTA reviewing its funding plan and using its best endeavours to pursue and contract opportunities, prior to lodging an application for construction funding, to reduce the funding required from the NZTA through supplementary funding contributions from stakeholders that benefit from completion of the project;
      • * The Morrin Road to Merton Road Link is to be delivered towards the end of Package 1, but only if the activity is substantially funded through supplement contributions.
    2. ARTA obtaining confirmation in writing from the Auckland Transition Authority (ATA) of its support for the tendering of contracts by Auckland City and Manukau City to carry out the design activities;
  3. notes that the construction cost for Package 1 of the AMETI project is estimated at $427 million up to 2019, the 5th percentile is estimated at $362 million and the 95th percentile is estimated at $514 million;
  4. notes that ARTA has agreed to endorse Package 1 of the AMETI project;
  5. notes the reasons for this decision are as set out in the Reasons for recommendation section; and
  6. agrees to keep Board paper 09/07/0226 in Committee until the Board has published the notice of decision.

Reason for the decision

  1. The assessment profile for this activity has been determined as being of high strategic fit, high effectiveness and low efficiency.
  2. This package of works has a strong focus on economic growth and development plus integrated land use and transport planning. The package aims to unlock 74 hectares of land for new industrial, commercial and residential growth by improving transport connections through a combination of new arterial road links and upgrading key existing roads.
  3. The enhanced arterial road network in the AMETI area will improve trip reliability and reduce travel times for freight, passenger transport and general traffic in a heavily congested area. The staged implementation of a Rapid Transit Network is expected to lead to greater patronage of public transport and fewer private vehicle trips, while new walking and cycling amenities will be provided.
  4. We confirm that the matters in sections 20(2) and 20(5) of the LTMA have been satisfied and that the matters in section 20(3) have been taken into account.