4 Jun 2021

A second harbour bridge crossing for Auckland cyclists and pedestrians

From Nine To Noon, 9:08 am on 4 June 2021
An aerial view of the proposed Northern Pathway Waitemata Harbour crossing.

An aerial view of the proposed Northern Pathway Waitemata Harbour crossing. Photo: Supplied/Waka Kotahi

Transport Minister Michael Woods has just announced a second Waitemata Harbour crossing solely for foot and cycle traffic, saying adding on to the existing Harbour Bridge is not possible.

Construction on the new standalone structure could begin next year, taking around five years to complete, at a cost of 785 million dollars.

Mr Wood says initial estimates are that 5,000 pedestrians and cyclists would use the new bridge daily. 

This morning's announcement comes after last Sunday's Harbour Bridge protest when more than 1000 cyclists calling for a cycle lane blocked two lanes. 

To discuss the development of the second crossing - cycling advocate Barbara Cuthbert from Bike Auckland, and Chris Carr from one of New Zealand's oldest transport companies, Auckland based Carr and Haslam.