14 May 2009

$1b saving hailed on new link route

5:59 am on 14 May 2009

The Auckland Chamber of Commerce says revised plans for the Waterview link route will save more than $1 billion.

A plan for the 4.5km Waterview Connection was issued on Wednesday, to link the southwestern and northwestern motorways through a series of tunnels and overground roads.

The project has riled scores of residents whose homes are in the direct path of the motorway.

Some 365 homes need demolition, about 200 more than the previous-twin tunnel route.

Chamber chief executive Michael Barnett says the new plan may not be the cheapest option, but it will save public money.

He says the new $1.4 billion plan equates to a saving of more than $1 billion for the people of Auckland.