The Government has ordered a detailed business case on options for an additional Waitematā Harbour Crossing before deciding what should be built, with the Crown taking direct oversight of what Transport Minister Chris Bishop says is likely to become “the largest and most expensive infrastructure project ever undertaken in New Zealand.”
The work will examine funding, financing and delivery models, alongside how a new crossing would fit Auckland’s wider transport network, and will be led by an independent Senior Responsible Officer reporting directly to ministers and Cabinet. Bishop said the Auckland Harbour Bridge carries about 170,000 vehicles a day and supports almost $1 billion in annual economic activity, but weight restrictions, limited public transport capacity and major future maintenance requirements are increasing pressure for another crossing.
Although NZTA endorsed a tunnel as its preferred option in May, Bishop said more work was needed before Cabinet could make a final choice. The Government will also commission another study of Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s proposed Meola Reef corridor if Auckland Council is interested, with the council invited to help develop the study and pay half its cost.
A proposal from an international consortium offering an alternative construction method to upgrade the existing Harbour Bridge will also be assessed. Auckland Minister Simon Watts said it was important to “work meaningfully with Auckland and Aucklanders,” while Bishop said the Government also intends to consult opposition parties because the project will span multiple governments. The detailed business case, including the Meola Reef study and market-led proposal, is expected to be completed in 2027.
Image credit: Stephen Gong
Let me guess… they are all Australian Corporations providing expertise for their later tender.
Something has to be done about the pre-qualified attribute weighting system keeping NZ expertise out of big construction projects.