By Lynda Myer
In order to advancing the Auckland’s second harbour crossing project, two three-lane road tunnels and a separate light rail tunnel are the preferred options of New Zealand’s government.
On 6th August 2023, the prime minister Chris Hipkins and transport minister David Parker announced the plans for the tunnels beneath Waitemata Harbour, those show that the two road tunnels would be 5-6km long, while the 21km light rail tunnel would connect to the existing Auckland Light Rail corridor.
The twin road tunnels would not be contingent on the light rail tunnels, with phasing options for the road tunnels to be considered by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, including whether to build both tunnels at once or separately.
The aim of this new crossing will be increasing capacity on the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge to allow for a busway and a separate cycle lane.
The propositions are a future light rail tunnel from the Wynyard Quarter, in downtown Auckland, under the harbour east of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and on to six new stations on the North Shore, which will also be phased. Before completion of at least the first of the two road tunnels, construction process will not be expected to begin.
According to Hipkins: “This is a bold plan for Auckland’s future that delivers a modern transport network that will connect all parts of the city. A second harbour crossing is needed as soon as possible, and construction is planned to start by the end of this decade and why we are proposing a phased approach, ensuring additional capacity is achieved after each stage.”
“The recent wind-related bridge closures of the Harbour Bridge, and the increasing frequency of flooding on the approaches north of the bridge, illustrate the city’s vulnerability to interruptions. These new tunnels future-proof the city’s transport network by reducing reliance on the Harbour Bridge while creating fast new options for getting in and out of the city,” said Hipkins
Hipkins also added: “The project had to be delivered in stages to manage the cost and roll-out of each element. Government had asked Waka Kotahi to accelerate work on essential first steps towards realizing a transport plan of this scale, including protecting the route and acquiring land along the corridor.”
Waka Kotahi will deliver a plan for how the elements of the cross harbour proposals can be phased and funded next year.
“With a project of this scale we will need to keep an open mind to funding options. We are seeking advice from Waka Kotahi on this,” said Parker.
