9 November 2007

PROJECT UPDATE

Waitemata Harbour Crossing

Study underway to identify a preferred harbour crossing location

The Auckland region is engaged in a study to identify the preferred location and form of an additional Waitemata Harbour crossing.

The project is investigating options for improving travel across the Waitemata Harbour. All types of transport will be considered including bus, rail, heavy vehicles, cars, cyclists and pedestrian access.

The Auckland Regional Council, Auckland Regional Transport Authority, Auckland City Council, North Shore City Council and Transit New Zealand are undertaking the project together as equal partners

The parties’ joint objective is ‘to identify the preferred option for delivering integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable cross harbour travel between the North Shore and the isthmus to facilitate the future growth and development of the region.’

Issues shaping the project include:

• The long term vision for growth in the region
• The future role of alternative transport modes including public transport, cycling and walking
• The need to protect land for an additional crossing
• Creating an additional option to the Auckland Harbour Bridge, already carrying 160,000 vehicles per day (nearly 60 million vehicles a year)
• Growing congestion between the North Shore and Auckland
• Expected significant growth in population and employment across the region
• The need to provide certainty for communities who may be affected by another crossing.

The outcome of the project is expected to be a single preferred option, from an initial long list of some 159 options, by 31 March 2008.

Once the Waitemata Harbour Crossing Study Project is complete, further work will be required to support Resource Management Act processes to protect the corridor of the preferred option.

[ends]

The Auckland Regional Council, Auckland Regional Transport Authority, Auckland City Council, North Shore City Council and Transit New Zealand are undertaking this project as equal partners.