10 Oct 2021

South Auckland train stations move closer to construction

8:25 am on 10 October 2021

Three more train stations in South Auckland are moving closer to construction.

The first Te Huia commuter train from Hamilton to Auckland arrives at Papakura on Tuesday morning.

New stations are being planned for Drury Central, Paerata and Drury West (file picture). Photo: RNZ / Gill Bonnett

Under the Covid-19 recovery fast tracking law, KiwiRail is seeking planning approval for new stations at Drury Central and Paerata.

Its chief operating officer for capital projects David Gordon said in a statement that the stations would provide better access to public transport for the fast growing area.

He said additional work is being done to finalise details for the third station at Drury West, with planning approvals to be processed under the Resource Management Act.

Subject to approval by a fast-track consenting panel, construction on the first two stations is expected to begin in 2023.

"With an additional 100,000 people expected to move into the area over the next 30 years, encouraging people to switch from using their cars will help ease congestion on an already busy road network and reduce carbon emissions in Auckland," Gordon said.

"We're working closely with Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi to plan and construct the transport infrastructure required to support the expected growth in South Auckland," he said.

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