The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has revealed that the Board of Inquiry has shown a green light for the Northern Corridor Improvements (NCI) project by granting its consents and designation.

Motorists and public transport users are set to benefit from the NCI project, as it will establish a new connection between the Northern Motorway and State Highway 18, as well as extending the Northern Busway to Albany.

NZTA system design manager Brett Gliddon said: “It’s an important link in helping to realise the full benefits of the Western Ring Route by giving people an alternative route to State Highway 1 and the Auckland Harbour Bridge, it will also create better transport choices through new walking and cycling paths and by extending the Northern Busway to Albany Bus Station.

“We will continue to work closely with the community and other stakeholders as the project moves into its construction phase.”

“We have worked closely with the community and stakeholders to listen to their views as we’ve developed the design which has now been thoroughly tested through a robust and transparent Board of Inquiry process.”

After completion of the 15 day appeal period, NZTA will present a detailed design to the Auckland Council for approvals, with an objective to start the construction work from February next year.

The NCI project will be completed in different phases over the next three years.

Gliddon further added: “We will continue to work closely with the community and other stakeholders as the project moves into its construction phase.”