Nats, Transit Clash Over Motorway Tunnels
June 12th, 2008
The National Party claims the decision to build motorway tunnels through Waterview in Auckland has been politically influenced but Transit says the tunnel option is the most practical solution. National Transport Spokesman, Maurice Williamson, claims Transit’s decision-making as regards the project has been “terribly politicised” by the presence of Labour President, Mike Williams, on its Board and a statement from Helen Clark in 2005 in support of tunnels through Waterview, which is in her Mt Albert electorate. “You’ve got the PM and the President of the Labour Party both actively involved in getting a design of a road which in my view is politicising it to a shocking extent.”
Other Funding Needed. Williamson also doubts the Govt and Transit can afford the $1.89bn cost of the tunnels. Although National fully supports completing the region’s western ring route in no more than eight years, he wants to see solid financial justification for the “gold-plated” proposal. He does not believe it can be paid for without some form of private-public partnership (PPP) or other alternative to traditional transport funding.
However, Williamson’s claims the tunnel option is more expensive and politically driven have been rubbished by Transit NZ Principal Project Manager, Clive Fuhr. He says tunnels are not much more expensive than a far more disruptive option of a surface route combined with limited sections of “cut and cover” trenches costing $1.7bn. In addition, the full surface option, as advocated by pro-roading groups, would be prevented by a need to run the motorway under or over two rail corridors, several busy arterial roads and Oakley Creek.
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