Now that Santa Steven has given us the early Christmas present of electric train funding, what are our chances of getting a CBD tunnel loop thrown in as a little stocking filler?
The minister remains open to it, willing to see research continue but remains uncommitted.
He was asked in parliament whether, like major motorway projects he has given the go-ahead, if not given the hurry up to like the Victoria tunnel, he also considers the Auckland CBD Rail Tunnel project to be of national significance.
His typically colourful reply: “It certainly would be a very significant project, should it proceed.”
He was asked what steps he is taking to progress the project.
“ARTA and KiwiRail are currently progressing a Notice of Requirement to protect the CBD tunnel route, ” said the minister.
“I have been informed that ARTA and KiwiRail have agreed to commission a cost benefit analysis which will be undertaken in 2010.”
In other questions to the minister:
What upgrades, if any, to Quay Park Junction are proposed as part of the Auckland rail electrification project?
“I have been informed by KiwiRail that improvements to the Quay Park Junction are included in the scope of the DART and Electrification projects. The improvements consist of installing new track structures that create operating flexibility and modifying the signalling system to accommodate the changes. The physical works have already been completed (to make use of a planned line closure) and the signalling will be altered as part of the network re-signalling taking place as part of electrification. This is programmed for November 2010.”
Is the construction of a third track, between Wiri and Westfield on the North Island Main Trunk Line, part of the Auckland rail electrification project?
” No, I am advised by KiwiRail that the third track has been planned only to the extent that the DART project did not remove this option should it be required in the future.”
What upgrades, if any, to Westfield Junction are proposed as part of the Auckland rail electrification project?
“I am advised by KiwiRail that there are no upgrades planned to Westfield Junction but concepts have been considered as part of the DART project to ensure future options are retained.”
How much additional funding would be required to undertake rail infrastructure works to ensure that commuter trains at ten minute peak frequencies on the Auckland rail network can be achieved
post-electrification?
“$1.6 billion has been committed to rail infrastructure upgrades in Auckland, one of the results of which will be electrification of the rail network enabling peak time frequencies of ten minutes (or six trains per hour). The NZ Transport Agency, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, and KiwiRail are all working together to achieve these goals within the allocated budget.”
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20 Responses to “Steven Still “Yes Maybe” On CBD Tunnel”
Auckland, NEW ZEALAND
Yes I thought his answer to that question on the CBD Rail Tunnel was quite interesting. A very significant project doesn’t really answer the question about whether or not it is of national significance.
New RoNS..? Railways of National Party Significance…
I wonder if he’ll come up with a list of “public transport projects of national significance”. I suspect not.
David Shearer has this question awaiting answer:
18186 (2009). David Shearer to the Minister of Transport (11 Nov 2009): Does the Minister intend to release a list of public transport projects of national significance? If not, why not?
Ha Ha, I’ll have to go over and check out the Ministers waiting questions I haven’t for awhile…
Mr Joyce, I believe already has worked out that to ignore the CBD Tunnel or dismiss it with arrogance would be nearly political suicide.
The CBD Tunnel has to be Auckland’s next major “Go forward” project, a worthwhile project which will add value to the city forever. Now the electric train funding is secured, it can be seen in a different light.
Worthy gentlemen(and women) of the Campaign for Better Transport, please direct the majority of your great efforts to pushing this project. It’s an absolute winner, even the Mayor has been able to work this one out.
It’s been a pipe dream for a long time – let’s get it happening, now’s the time!
I’m not sure if I disagree with you there Rationale unless Joyce starts backing off Puhoi to Wellsford and toward the City Underground Rail Link…
It will be weird if we get both electrification and the City Underground Rail Link within a decade after nearly a hundred years and multiple cancellations…
Sorry that should have read, “Not sure if I AGREE with you there Rationale”…
Nit-pick: Steven s/b Stephen.
Otherwise, great post!
@George Darroch – Think you’ll find that it is with a ‘v’ – “http://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/steven+joyce”
Whoops!
Personally something along the line of this will happen
*shakes christmas stocking*
*scale puhoi-Wellford motorway with a track on it falls out*
um what’s this ah a note and it says
“Guess what that is I’m sure you know and while I’m transport minster that and not the CBD rail tunnel will be built
Ho Ho Merry Slavemas from Steve Joyce”
I think whether or not the CBD Rail Tunnel happens will come down to political pressure, and also some excellent analysis of its wider benefits.
If Joyce’s prime goal for transport expenditure is to “boost economic growth” then I think the CBD Rail Tunnel can support that well, due to its long-term effects on the Auckland CBD. It’s a matter of getting that message across in a very effective manner which is the challenge.
Len Brown made some interesting questions about Joyce last night…
He said Joyce is always asking for the business case of public transport projects all the time…
Um, comments not questions…
Yes Jarbury – you guys are on the ball! Electrification’s a happening event now. You cynics shame – let’s let Mr Joyce know that this “When” NOT “If”.
Yes Jarbury – you guys are on the ball! You cynics shame – let’s let Mr Joyce know that this “When” NOT “If”.
Yes Jarbury – you guys are on the ball! You cynics shame – let’s let “Steven” know that this “When” NOT “If”.
I wonder how the business case for the Puhoi-Wellsford road is stacking up…..
Mr. Bean is writing it, it’s going great…