localmatters.co.nz
March 13, 2019
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Inside this issue Tiny robotics team wins big page 6
Meet Detective Inspector Scott Beard Cars overflow the Silverdale park and ride, filling every possible space around it, including streets, the pavement and grass verges – but more parking spaces, and a proper bus station, could be a long time coming.
page 9
Further delays signaled at busway station Delays in awarding a construction contract mean commuters face another cold, wet and windy winter as they wait for buses without sufficient shelter at the Silverdale park and ride (Hibiscus Busway station). The opening of the final 90 parking spaces could also be as long as 10 months away. Recently Auckland Transport (AT) admitted that there are holdups with the building of the bus station and
remaining car parks. AT had expected this work to be complete by July but the latest estimate is for completion much later this year, or early next year and a contractor is yet to be appointed to do the work. One issue is that resource consent for the remaining car parks contains the condition that the existing two right turning lanes on Painton Road be modified before the parking spaces are made operational. However, AT spokesperson Mark
Hannan says the delay has been caused by the need to keep the project within budget – the total cost of the project is $17.6m – $2.5m for the land and $13m for construction. “We are currently completing a procurement process to appoint a contractor for the station building and additional car parks,” Mr Hannan says. “We are negotiating with interested parties to determine where added value can be achieved, while minimising construction costs. The objective is to obtain highest value for
money for the busway station users and ratepayers.” He says on completion of this process an agreed construction programme will be released. Currently AT’s website gives the timeframe as February 2018-early 2020. Once the station building is complete it will include ticket and AT Hop top-up machines, toilets, secure cycle parking and well lit waiting areas that will be protected from the elements. continued page 2