A new video has been released showing the completed infrastructure inside the tunnels. 

Auckland‘s Waterview Tunnel will open to traffic in early July, marking the biggest milestone in the city‘s transport network in more than half a century.

The $1.4 billion Waterview Connection is New Zealand‘s largest and most complex roading project, including twin 2.4km-long three-lane tunnels.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges says that once open, it will transform the way people and freight move around Auckland.

“It will represent the biggest change in travel patterns since the opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge in 1959.

“The Waterview Connection is New Zealand‘s largest ever roading project and is a significant part of the strong investment the Government is putting into Auckland. This investment in the strategic motorway system will help support Auckland‘s increasing population and economic growth,” Bridges says.

“It largely completes the Western Ring Route, a new 48km route linking the west of Auckland, Manukau, the city and the North Shore.

“Together, the Waterview Tunnel and wider Western Ring Route will give more options to people and freight moving around and through Auckland, creating a more efficient, resilient and reliable network,” Bridges says.

A ceremonial opening on Sunday 18 June will be followed by public open days to allow people the chance to experience the tunnel up close before opening to traffic. Tickets for the two originally planned open days on 18 and 25 June are fully booked.

“There has been strong interest from members of the public wanting to experience the tunnel, with more than 42,000 people snapping up tickets so far to walk and cycle through it,” Bridges says.

“In response to this demand we are now providing a further three opportunities to allow more people to see the country‘s largest and most ambitious roading project up close.”

People can now book tickets to cycle through the tunnel on Friday 23 June and walk through the tunnel on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 June.

Tickets to the events are free and can be booked online by visiting www.nzta.govt.nz/waterview.