The Government has tasked NZTA with considering two potential options for an additional Waitematā Harbour crossing in Auckland with technical work expected to begin in coming months. An investment decision is expected to be considered in mid-2026.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown says NZTA must be focused on delivering the best long-term solution for Aucklanders that addresses resilience, growth and efficiency of the transport network.
NRC fully agrees we need a resilient second harbour crossing that is a viable freight route and reduces congestion.
We support the findings of this report that recommends a 2.5 kilometre curved Waitematā Bridge just to the west of the existing Harbour Bridge as the first option. This is estimated to cost $2.5 billion and would take traffic load of the Harbour Bridge allowing for other modes.
As you can see from the Waitematā Harbour Crossing Analysis Bar Graph on page 13 of the report, the Waitematā Bridge ticks nearly all the boxes including connectivity, the least environmental and time disruption, high-cost efficiency and high economic growth.
The report suggests a 15.5 kilometre Causeway Bridge connecting State Highway 16 near Waterview to the Upper Harbour Highway just north of the Hobsonville Bridge will also be needed in due course. This bridge will cost an estimated $3 billion according to this report.
The option we don’t like because it is very expensive, estimated $17 billion, will be disruptive and take a long time to deliver, is the five-kilometre NZTA tunnel to the east of the Harbour Bridge connecting State Highway 1 north of the bridge to the junction of State Highway 1 and State Highway 16 near Symonds St.
Rest assured, we will be working hard on your behalf to ensure a resilient, affordable option is chosen so a second harbour crossing that works for freight can be in place as soon as possible.
