Park and ride underway

From left, Higgins project manager Sam Best, Ngati Manuhiri kaumatua Ringi Brown, Higgins managing director Jesse Kay, site supervisor Troy Hopkinson and Auckland Transport project manager Arvin Kumar.

Work has started on a 137-car park and ride in Warkworth and is scheduled to be completed by March next year – in time for the opening of the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway and Matakana link road.

The first sod was officially turned and the site blessed by Ngati Manuhiri kaumatua Ringi Brown last month.

The contract has been awarded to Higgins, which is also undertaking the Dome Valley safety upgrades. The two projects will share management staff.

Auckland Transport project manager Arvin Kumar says the works coincide with an upgrade of footpaths on Hudson Road, linking the western side of the town to the new park and ride.

However, he says a planned pathway from central Warkworth through Kowhai Park to the park and ride has not yet been funded and will come at a later stage of the project.

The project includes 137 carparks, drop-off spots, bike racks, toilets and bus stops on either side of State Highway 1. It will service Warkworth commuters who can park their cars and catch the buses to Auckland.

The bus journey on AT services from Warkworth to Auckland currently takes an hour and 25 minutes and costs $7.20.

Commuters catch the 995 bus to Hibiscus Station and then the NX1 to Fanshawe Street in Auckland CBD.

According to AT, the 995 bus service carries an average of 213 passengers every weekday.

Mahu City Express director Julian Ostling says he will consider basing his express coach service to Auckland from the park and ride once the motorway is open.

The park and ride project has been funded by the Rodney Local Board from its transport targeted rate. It is expected to cost $3.7 million, down from initial estimates of $5 million.