13 Aug 2011

Partnership proposed for Auckland bridge walkway

6:22 pm on 13 August 2011

A proposed walking and cycling path over the Auckland Harbour bridge is being cited as an example of how private public partnerships can make things happen.

Auckland Council supports a pedestrian and cycling link across the bridge, but only if it can be fully self-funded.

New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development chief executive, Stephen Selwood, says it's difficult to measure what the demand for the proposed path will be.

He says putting all the risk on the private sector would be a step too far, and a shared risk between the council and private sector is the way to go.

The Pathway Working Group says it has reached an agreement with the Transport Authority on an engineering solution for a walk and cycle path.

The proposed $23 million route would be attached to the city side clip-on of the bridge, which will sit just underneath the level of traffic.

Pathway Working Group spokesperson Bevan Woodward says the pathway would be funded entirely by a toll. The proposal would see transport smartcard users pay a $2 toll, or a $5 charge for cash, credit card or text users.

The Transport Authority says it will act on the decisions of the council's transport committee, which is considering a report on pedestrian and cycling options on Monday.

Aucklanders will be asked for feedback on the design from 21 August.