By Ashley Karen
The New Zealand government has declared that Auckland will get a second harbor crossing, with construction due to begin in 2029.
They have presented five possibilities for rail, road, cycling, and walking provision, comprising a new light rail tunnel and a road tunnel east of the current Auckland Harbor Bridge; a new light rail tunnel west of the bridge; a new bridge adjacent to the current bridge, with tunneling to link to a new section of State Highway 1; and two scenarios for a light rail, walking and cycling bridge and a road tunnel.
The new crossing spanning Waitemata Harbor will link to the Auckland Light Rail network, which is presently under construction.
The project intends to relieve congestion on Auckland Harbor Bridge, which carries almost 200,000 vehicles per day.
Now five scenarios are open for public feedback, and the government will approve the selected option in June.
New Zealanders will go to the polls for a general election this year, however, prime minister Chris Hipkins claimed he was confident cross-party support for the project would assure its future, whichever party formed the next government.
