Getting around Pukekohe and south Auckland on public transport is set to get easier with construction work about to start on the new Pukekohe bus and train station.
A dawn blessing ceremony has marked the start of the first and smaller phase of construction of Pukekohe’s bus and train transport hub, which will make it easier for people to connect between the bus and train network.
When completed in the second half of 2017, the new Pukekohe Station will be at the centre of a new public transport network for Franklin. The new public transport network is due to be rolled out in late 2016.
Image: This morning's dawn blessing ceremony at Pukekohe train station.
The Auckland Transport (AT) project, which will cost $15.4 million to construct, is funded by the Government, through the NZ Transport Agency, and Auckland Council.
Acting AT Metro General Manager Colin Homan says the new bus station will be located right next to Pukekohe train station.
“It will see most Franklin bus services arriving at the station. The new 6-bay bus stops will be constructed right next to the existing train station and will become Pukekohe’s transport hub. The new public transport network will provide better and faster connections within Pukekohe, the surrounding areas and the rest of Auckland. It will help to reduce reliance on private transport and ease congestion on local and arterial roads.”
The project will be built in two stages and construction of the smaller portion will start soon. The first stage involves construction of a temporary facility to cater for the new bus services.
The intersection of Manukau Road and Custom Street is to have a set of traffic lights that are activated by traffic on Custom Street which will allow the new bus services to run to schedule. They will retain normal traffic flow on Manukau Road when there is no traffic leaving the new facility.
The intersection upgrade includes a new controlled pedestrian crossing and will be constructed to link the station with the 2 nearby schools. The pedestrian crossings will be fitted with a camera that will detect if someone is still waiting to cross the road. If they leave then the request to cross will be cancelled and this will help traffic on Manukau Road to keep flowing.
The second and larger portion of the project will see the construction of the remainder of the station and is planned to commence work from October 2016. A sod turning ceremony will be held closer to work commencing on the next stage of construction.
Franklin Local Board Chair Andrew Baker says the Pukekohe Station upgrade alongside the new bus routes and simplified fares should make it more attractive to people wanting to use public transport.
“Pukekohe and south Auckland will play a vital role in Auckland’s economic growth, and we are very happy that the Government, through the NZ Transport Agency has committed to supporting this project and look forward to that continuing as the area continues to grow.”
Key features:
- 6-bay bus stops integrated with the existing Pukekohe Station.
- New overbridge with lifts to connect the bus and train station.
- Park and ride facility for 87 vehicles.
- Additional ticket machines.
- Passenger waiting area.
- Small retail area.
- Drop and ride area.
- Cycle parking facilities.
- 24-hour CCTV security.
- Toilets.
- Improvements to the Manukau Road and Custom Street intersection to aid bus and pedestrian movements across Manukau Road.
