Flyover opening marks major milestone in busway project

All the political and community leaders about to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony for the Rā Hihi Reeves Road Flyover last Friday, September 26. Times photo PJ Taylor

Yesterday, Wednesday, was a landmark day for east Auckland motorists, the first 24 hours that the $152 million Rā Hihi Reeves Road Flyover was open – partially to traffic – for the two lanes headed westwards.

Last Friday, September 26, was also a milestone day for those involved in the construction of the flyover, one project ready for public use in a long list of jobs for the multimillion-dollar super-project the $1.3 billion Eastern Busway.

Ceremonies, blessings, ribbon-cutting and lots of speeches were made on Friday, and the significance of the flyover’s completion was expressed by local MPs and Government leaders, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, of Botany, and Auckland Minister and MP for Pakūranga Simeon Brown.

The new Pakūranga overpass took 18 months to build, which Luxon acknowledged as a great result for east Aucklanders.

In his customary friendly style, the Prime Minister circulated among all the attendees at the ribbon-cutting ceremony held mid-morning, thanking the project team for their hard work.

Prime Minister and MP for Botany Christopher Luxon shakes hands with one of the many Eastern Busway workers at the opening ceremony. Photo supplied Nigel King

He along with all the other political and community leaders there including Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown were more than happy to acknowledge the flyover project had been delivered “under budget and five months early.”

It was originally planned to open in the first quarter of 2026.

“For too long there has been under-investment in transport infrastructure in east Auckland and we’re changing that,” Simeon Brown said.

“The Reeves Road Flyover is something that people in east Auckland have waited a long time for.

“The vast majority of people in east Auckland travel to work by car. This roading connection will provide some much-needed relief from traffic congestion around the Pakūranga Plaza.

At the dawn karakia on September 26, mana whenua Ngai Tai ki Tamaki led the proceedings. Photo supplied Nigel King

“As Auckland grows, we must invest in both roads and public transport. This project does exactly that, with the Reeves Road Flyover separating motorists from the new Eastern Busway beneath it.

“The busway will deliver a vital public transport link from east Auckland to the CBD, allowing people to travel from Botany to Britomart in just 40 minutes,” said Simeon Brown.

“The people of east Auckland had to fight hard to keep the Reeves Road Flyover on the plans after multiple attempts to cancel this project because it was a road. Thankfully, commonsense won.

“It’s also benefitting the economy now by providing jobs, with about 500 workers currently employed by the Eastern Busway project.”

The flyover will be fully operational from Labour Day, October 27, when all four lanes open, two travelling in each direction.

“The people of east Auckland had to fight hard to keep the Reeves Road Flyover on the plans after multiple attempts to cancel this project because it was a road. Thankfully, commonsense won,” said MP for Pakuranga and Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown. Photo supplied Nigel King

Rā Hihi means “sun’s rays” or “ray of sun” in te reo Māori, a name gifted by mana whenua partners and local iwi Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki.

Auckland Transport (AT) chief executive Dean Kimpton said: “We’re stoked to be able to open Rā Hihi ahead of schedule and below budget, bringing long awaited improvements to east Auckland drivers earlier than expected.

“I’d like to thank locals for their patience during construction.

“The flyover also allows the Eastern Busway to be extended from Pakūranga to Botany. With high frequency buses, the Eastern Busway will provide a reliable 40-minute bus and train trip between Botany, Pakūranga, Panmure and the city centre at Waitematā Station.

“The Eastern Busway is a key part of Auckland’s rapid transit network connecting east Auckland to the wider region.

“When City Rail Link opens next year, people will be able to use the already open section of the busway from Pakūranga to catch a quick bus and a direct train to Eden Park, New Lynn and Henderson.

“When the full busway to Botany opens our connected network will make it easy to get from east to west Auckland without driving,” Kimpton said.

Bishop said: “Sitting in traffic wastes time and money. A fast, reliable transport network in Auckland is essential for the city’s growth and for New Zealand’s prosperity.

“It’s a key piece of the $1.3b Eastern Busway project, jointly funded by the Crown, NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Council and delivered by AT.

“The Eastern Busway will benefit both drivers and public transport users. By 2027, people will be able to move quickly by rapid bus and train between Botany, Pakūranga, Panmure, and all the way into the city centre,” Bishop said.

An aerial view of the dawn karakia for the flyover. Photo supplied Anton Benadie

“When the Eastern Busway to Botany is complete it will provide a reliable 40-minute bus and train trip between Botany and downtown Auckland.

“By 2028 it’s forecasted to carry 18,000 passengers per day, with 24,000 passengers per day by 2048.

“Alongside the City Rail Link, which opens in 2026, these projects will reshape the way people get around Auckland.

“The Panmure to Pakūranga busway, already open, is proof of how rapid transit can give people better access to jobs and opportunities across the city.

“This is all part of the Government’s work to build a transport system that supports economic growth, lifts productivity, and makes travel safer and more reliable,” Bishop said.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown delivers his speech. Photo supplied Nigel King

Wayne Brown said: “The Eastern Busway is a major investment by Auckland Council and the Government and delivers on one of my five key policies – Get Auckland moving.

“As well as the flyover, the project includes 7km of dedicated busway with five new stations, and 12km of walking and cycling routes.

“I’m focused on delivering projects better, faster and cheaper, so I’m pleased.”

Rā Hihi and Eastern Busway additional information

Rā Hihi carries four lanes of traffic, two in each direction. The structure is 600 metres long, 187m wide, and 10m high.
The Pakuranga to Botany section of Eastern Busway that’s under construction will open in 2027. After construction finishes, operational readiness work, including testing and commissioning, is needed to open the busway.
The project includes 12km of dedicated walking and cycleways, 7km of busway and five new stations.
The Eastern Busway project is being delivered by an alliance of AT with Fletcher Construction, ACCIONA, AECOM and Jacobs, in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki.