Mixed reaction to new Waitematā Harbour bridge

There’s been mixed reaction to the Government announcement of a new walking and cycling bridge over the Waitematā Harbour. Transport Minister Michael Wood says the $780 million structure - which will run alongside the existing harbour bridge, but not connected to it - could be open in five years.

But some cycling campaigners insist it’s an unnecessary expenditure, and want a lane on the harbour bridge delegated as a cycleway instead. “Do it initially as a trial to see if it works,” Bevan Woodward told Radio NZ. “If it works, then that should be the solution.”

The new bridge would be to the eastern side of the existing harbour crossing.

Urban designer Emma McInnes, though, has greeted news of a separate bridge known as the Northern Pathway, enthusiastically. She disagrees with naysayers who claim not enough people will use the structure to make a difference to Auckland’s traffic woes. 

She told Radio NZ: “I think we're underestimating the fact that people will use it just for the joy of being able to walk over the water, to stop in the middle of the bridge, take photos, to go over on a jog in the morning, walk their dog, take their kids over... I think people are underestimating how popular a bridge like that would be."

Concept images show a step down viewing area where people could take time to enjoy the views across the harbour.

Announcing the new bridge, Wood said geotechnical investigations and testing has shown that building a structure connected to the harbour bridge - as was initially investigated - isn’t possible as the existing piers won’t be able to take the extra weight without considerable modifications to counter balance the increased load involving additional risk to the bridge. 

And Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says delegating a lane on the existing bridge isn’t as straightforward as some cycling campaigners suggest, citing safety concerns and “wider network issues” to be considered.

“We need this transport connection to move ahead but it isn’t technically possible to attach it to the existing bridge without putting the whole structure at risk,” Michael Wood said.

Alternate options were explored, including a gondola, dedicated ferry or bus service, using existing lanes, and a separate multi-modal structure for walking, cycling and public transport - the recommended solution being a full-height separate bridge option.

Major cities around the world have similar connections. “We’ve all seen how well used the Te Ara I Whiti - Lightpath has become, with the Northern Pathway having the potential to be a bigger tourist drawcard,” Wood said.

“Northern Pathway is the missing link in Auckland’s walking and cycling network and Aucklanders finally will be able to get across the harbour by foot or bike - it’s important we get it right and make sure it’s an enduring piece of infrastructure, providing alternative modes of transport across the harbour and helping reduce congestion on our Auckland roads.

“In the meantime, Waka Kotahi will continue to work on how to provide safe temporary trials of using lanes on the existing harbour bridge for cyclists and pedestrians.”

Investigations on an additional harbour crossing are also ongoing. It’s likely to be a tunnel and to cater to public transport.