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The cost estimate for the extension of Ōrewa Boulevard, from Riverside to Empire Road, has risen by a further $400,000.
At a Hibiscus and Bays Local Board workshop on July 8, Auckland Transport elected member relationship manager Ben Halliwell told members the earlier cost estimate of $1.4m has gone up to $1.8m.
He says the increase is because of projected risk to do with things such as underground work, as well as the post-Covid cost rise in things like materials.
The extension of the pedestrian-friendly boulevard continues work completed by the former Rodney District Council that upgraded Hibiscus Coast Highway from Moana Ave to Riverside Road, and slowed traffic.
The project is a priority for the local board because considerable work, including design and public consultation, has already been done.
The scheme includes a 3.5m wide shared pedestrian/cycle path on the seaward side, as well as new footpaths, raised crossings, lighting, rain gardens and landscaping.
The local board is hoping to fund the project from a pot of money allocated for local transport projects. It has a total of just over $2.5m available and a lot more projects on its wish list than it can afford.
Members must therefore consider competing priorities for this funding, including footpath improvements, new pedestrian crossings and bike rack installation.
If members decide to fund the Ōrewa Boulevard extension, that leaves just $700,000 for it to spend on other projects – and, with a single raised pedestrian crossing estimated to cost around $200,000, that remaining money could quickly be used up.
A final decision about which projects to fund will be made at an upcoming local board business meeting.
