The Government has unveiled five proposals for an additional Waitematā Harbour crossing in Auckland.

Transport Minister Michael Wood said construction of the additional connection will begin in 2029.

“After considering feedback from Aucklanders, we’ve developed five scenarios for future transport connections across Te Waitematā including both bridge and tunnel options. The scenarios also include ways to connect to growing residential and business hubs on the North Shore,” he said.

“Each scenario includes a new walking and cycling link across Te Waitematā, a new light rail link that will connect to Auckland Light Rail in the City Centre, and will build generations of resilience into State Highway One for private vehicles and freight,” he said.

“Aucklanders and businesses have made it clear that the biggest barriers to the success of Auckland is persistent congestion and after years of inaction by the previous government we are on track to fix it.”

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and partners Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and Ngā Iwi Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau are seeking feedback on the five scenarios.

Brett Gliddon, group general manager transport services at Waka Kotahi, said crossing options for Te Waitematā, including bridges, tunnels, and a combination of the two, have been looked at in tandem with how the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge is best utilised.

“Each scenario has different combinations of options, including how the existing harbour bridge is used, how different modes use new bridges or tunnels, and how bridges and tunnels could work together. Every option comes with its own impacts, opportunities and constraints, which is why we are eager to understand which connections matter the most to people,” he said.

“Community engagement is key to this project’s success and before we can move to the next stage and recommend a preferred way forward, we’re seeking more feedback.”

A Waka Kotahi survey last year confirmed strong public support for the project with almost every Aucklander having travelled over the Auckland Harbour Bridge in the last 12 months.

Waka Kotahi said public feedback will help deliver a recommended way forward for the project in mid-2023.

“This is a complex project with more planning, design and consenting work to do following confirmation of a preferred option. Elements of the project could be delivered within the decade and construction is likely to begin by 2029.”

Feedback on the proposals will be open until Monday 1 May and is open to the whole of New Zealand.

Associations welcome progress on Waitematā Harbour crossing project

National Road Carriers CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers said it was pleasing to see progress on the Waitematā Harbour crossing project.

“It is pleasing to see the Government has acknowledged that any alternative must include greater provision for goods, services and freight that will allow the region to cope with the expected increased freight,” he said.

“National Road Carriers urges all parties to commit to this timeline so construction can start as soon as possible.”

James Smith, chief operating officer at NRC, urged members to take part in the feedback.

“The vulnerability of the Auckland Harbour Crossing was identified decades ago and to finally see a timeframe for resolution is significant,” he said.

“While some will see this as purely an Auckland issue, I am aware that many members outside of Auckland have trucks or customers impacted by this vulnerable part of our state highway network.”