NZTA updates plans for $1.25 billion East West Link between Onehunga and Mt Wellington

Transport chiefs have released a new animation showing how they expect a major new highway in Auckland will ease congestion.

The East West Link between Onehunga and Penrose is designed to improve travel between State Highways 1 and 20.

The road is a priority project for supporting the long-term growth of Auckland and the continued economic development of New Zealand, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says.

It includes a new four-lane road on the northern side of the Mangere Inlet connecting SH20 at Onehunga and SH1 at Mt Wellington. The estimated cost is $1.25 billion to $1.85b.

The two-minute video details some of the features along the route of the new road, including walking and cycle paths joining Onehunga to the Sylvia Park shopping centre, a new coastal boardwalk and new planting.

NZTA says the design in the video has evolved from community feedback, including open days and engagement with local residents and community groups over the past three years.

"The changes made as a result of feedback can be seen in the animation, including the lowering of the East West Link into a trench along the length of the Onehunga Wharf," said NZTA Auckland highway manager Brett Gliddon.

"This trench provides the opportunity for future development of the land above it and creates a seamless connection between the wharf and the town centres of Onehunga and Mangere Bridge. This design responds to one of the biggest areas of concern for the local community."

Another change is an elevated interchange at Great South Rd, with on- and off-ramps in both directions from the East West Link to Great South Rd and Sylvia Park Rd.

"The business community and transport operators identified concerns with the efficiency and reliability of a standard intersection between the East West Link and Great South Rd. We listened to that and developed the interchange as a result, which will allow local traffic to separate from state highway traffic," said Gliddon.

"At the same time, we have included a cycleway through the area, maintaining dedicated off-road cycle and pedestrian connections."

The animation also shows how the new road will enable better access to the waterfront at Mangere Inlet which will be transformed with 16km of new walking and cycle paths.

Wetlands will treat stormwater from the area before it flows into the harbour.