The Government has outlined the next steps toward constructing a long-awaited second crossing for Waitematā Harbour, with geotechnical and environmental investigations set to begin in the coming days.
The need for an additional harbour crossing was identified decades ago and the vulnerability of the Auckland Harbour Bridge to closure due to weather has made the need for action even more urgent.
The previous Labour-led Government unveiled five scenarios for a second harbour crossing including both bridge and tunnel options based on feedback from Aucklanders.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says advancing an additional harbour crossing is also a priority for the current Government.
“The existing Auckland Harbour Bridge is one of the most critical transport links in New Zealand, carrying around 184,000 vehicles including 12,000 freight vehicles and 35,000 bus passengers daily, plus water and gas pipelines and telecommunications cables. It is the most-travelled piece of road in New Zealand,” he says.
Concerns over the aging bridge’s ability to cope with rising traffic volumes and upcoming resilience works have placed urgency on advancing a new crossing.
“But the bridge is old, and even with its clip-on lanes it struggles to cope with the daily traffic volumes it carries, let alone the projected future growth. Within the coming decade, parts of the bridge will need to be closed for significant periods of time to complete resilience works – significantly disrupting the economy. And with an aging piece of infrastructure, these disruptions are expected to get worse.
“It will be one of the most significant transport investments in New Zealand in decades, with the potential to significantly grow our economy and create thousands of jobs and opportunities for New Zealanders,” Bishop adds.
“We know that it will be one of the most complex infrastructure projects New Zealand has ever undertaken. Despite the complexity and cost, we know we need it and we’re progressing work at pace.”
Over the next 12 months, the Government will conduct geotechnical, environmental, and utilities investigations to assess ground and seabed conditions, which will inform whether a bridge or tunnel is the preferred option. A decision is expected by mid-2026.
“We expect to make decisions on whether a bridge or a tunnel is the preferred option around the middle of next year.”
Given the multi-billion-dollar scope of the project, the Government is also exploring financing and procurement models to ensure the crossing is delivered efficiently and cost-effectively.
“As a multi-billion-dollar, intergenerational mega-project, it’s critical that we look for innovative ways to finance and deliver it. We also need to draw on the experience of companies and countries who’ve built mega-projects like this more recently than we have in New Zealand – because, let’s be honest, we haven’t done anything at this level of complexity or cost in a long time.”
Next month, NZTA will begin market engagement sessions with civil contractors, maintenance providers, investors, and financiers to refine staging opportunities and assess market capacity.
“The next step in our cabinet-agreed process will be kicking off next month, with NZTA commencing early market soundings to explore staging opportunities as the two options – bridge or tunnel – are refined for assessment.
“NZTA will also test interest from local and international industry leaders on funding, financing and procurement options to help determine the best procurement and funding model for the project, ensuring it is delivered in a way that maximises value for money and minimises risk.” The Government
