Here's what we've been doing since adopting the Auckland Freight Plan.

Since Auckland Transport (AT) adopted the Auckland Freight Plan in 2020 we’ve been working to make things better for freight on our transport network.?Some of the work we’re doing is ‘behind the scenes’ and so we wanted to tell you about it.

Freight is a key enabler of economic activity and fundamental to the liveability of a city. During COVID-19 freight movement was recognised as an essential service, keeping Auckland moving, grocery store shelves stocked, and supplies delivered to critical businesses throughout the lockdown period. The resilience of the supply chain and its people will continue to be a key part of New Zealand’s economic recovery.

When the freight plan was developed, we initiated the Freight Working Group which discusses issues at an operational level, and the Freight Reference Group which has a more overarching view of freight in Auckland. Representatives from NRC have sat on both groups from the beginning and have valuable input.

We’re also doing work on raising awareness within AT on the importance of freight and it’s needs and making sure it’s considered in planning processes. To help with this we’ve been working with teams across AT to make sure key freight stakeholders are consulted on projects that have an impact on freight. NRC is one of our key stakeholders.?If a project is on the Strategic Freight Network or an overweight or over dimension route, we will let our key freight stakeholders know about it and ask for feedback on the proposed design.

The Strategic Freight Network (SFN) is made up of the most important routes for freight in the city.?This network was updated as part of developing the Auckland Freight Plan. Knowing where the important routes are for freight means we’re able to focus our investment on improving freight travel on these roads and ensure that projects on these roads consider the needs of freight in their design. You can view the freight network at Auckland freight plan (at.govt.nz)

An example of one of the smaller projects we do where we’re looking out for the needs of freight is Tainui Rd, St Johns where we were due to do line marking upgrades. NRC informed us of a possible issue for the local quarry operator and, working collaboratively, we changed the design to better accommodate truck marshalling for the quarry.

And of course, we also have much larger projects where we need to consider the needs of freight alongside the needs of other modes such as general traffic, public transport, and cycling.?An example of this is the Great North Road Improvements project.?This project aims to improve travel for public transport and to make walking and cycling safer between Ponsonby Road and Crummer Road.?It will make improvements to bus stops, add a new separated cycleway protected from traffic. But freight wasn’t forgotten in this project. AT created eight new and bespoke 23 metre loading zones for car transporters to deliver in a safe and efficient manner and the corridor will operate more efficiently for heavy vehicles.

And lastly, the additional lane on the southbound entrance to SH1 at the Mt Wellington Interchange has recently opened. This makes it easier for larger freight vehicles to turn right onto the motorway and reduces the length of the queue.?It usually takes a month or so for people to get used to a new layout, and it can be a bit chaotic before things settle down, but we’re continuing to monitor the traffic flows in the area and adjusting the signals to better accommodate the demand.?

There are lots more exciting projects on the horizon where freight can have input on the outcome and we would like to thank the NRC team for giving us the opportunity to tell you about a few of them. We look forward to long collaborative partnership with your association.

-?Jason Heather is a Senior Engagement Partner at Auckland Transport