PHOTO: An artist’s impression of what the finished Puhinui Station Interchange will look like. Photo: Supplied
The new $69 million Puhinui Station Interchange is set to open in Papatoetoe next month, and according to Auckland Transport (AT) it will provide a vital link between the airport and the rest of the city.
The AT-led project is expected to officially open on 26 July and will allow people to transfer between services at the joint bus and train station.
Spokesperson Natalie Polley said it was an important development for Auckland’s public transport network and would be a key link to the city centre for airport passengers.
The airport is the international gateway to the country as well as a major regional employment hub and freight destination. With increased growth planned in the area, the Puhinui Station Interchange is seen by AT as an important way to improve public transport in the area.
Work on the station upgrade began in 2019 and it was one of four shovel-ready transport projects that received government funding last year.
The government provided $47m for the Papatoetoe project, while about $12m came from the Regional Fuel Tax and the balance has come from Crown Infrastructure Partners and development contributions.
When the design contract was awarded in early 2019, it was expected to cost $58.8m but, according to Polley, the cost of the project has increased due to rising costs and the impact of Covid-19 on international supply chains.
AT had originally planned to have the station up and running by late 2020, or early 2021. But last year’s lockdowns and other logistical issues around shutting down the rail lines for the work meant the timeline for the project was extended.
READ MORE VIA RNZ