Auckland harbour crossing: Multi-billion dollar options

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 28 April 2023

Anyone wanting to have their say on the five proposals for a second Auckland harbour crossing needs to get cracking  - the opportunity for "feedback" closes on Monday.

It's less than a month since Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister for Auckland - and Transport - Michael Wood unveiled five "scenarios" for upgrading travel across the Waitemata - describing it as a "city and national-shaping investment".

The five include a mixture of bridges and tunnels offering a combination of new lanes for vehicles, light rail and walking and cycling, with construction set to begin in 2029.

But Auckland residents have heard it all before, with projects like 2021's short-lived standalone bike and walking bridge being proposed - or in the case of the SkyPath costed and consented - and then shelved.

What chance do these five multi-billion dollar scenarios have of ever making it to fruition?

Garth Falconer, director of Reset Urban Design who was also the former design lead for the abandoned SkyPath and Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland join Kathryn to discuss.

A visualisation of Waka Kotahi's proposed Auckland habour crossings.

A visualisation of Waka Kotahi's proposed Auckland habour crossings. Photo: Supplied