It’s truly astounding how Auckland Transport (AT) has handled—or failed to handle—the Scenic Drive closure in the Waitākere Ranges, particularly from the Titirangi Roundabout.. Let’s get this straight: one of Auckland’s main arteries has been off-limits since January 2023, and we’re now looking at a projected reopening date in late December 2024. This is nearly two years for a road closure that, in many parts of the world, would have been handled as an emergency project, with round-the-clock crews and prioritization for completion.
Imagine this happening in a so-called "third-world" country—would it take them almost two years to repair a vital road link? Unlikely. Many would have dedicated 24/7 work shifts, brought in extra crews, and treated this as the public necessity it is. Yet here we are in Auckland, watching a bureaucratic quagmire unfold as if we have the luxury of time.
AT’s approach seems to lack not only urgency but empathy. Scenic Drive is more than a road; it’s a lifeline for residents, a key connector for cyclists and pedestrians, and a draw for tourism. The lack of accessible alternatives shows a lack of planning foresight and responsiveness to the needs of the local community. The people of Waiatarua, Titirangi, and surrounding areas have had to put up with almost two years of inconvenience, while AT promises “progress” that feels like an eternity away.
Aucklanders deserve better than glacial project timelines. Perhaps AT could take a leaf out of the books of some so-called “third-world” countries, where infrastructure work is often fast-tracked with urgency and dedication that has been sorely lacking in this saga.