Mayor Williams: New harbour crossing remains a priority

Thursday October 25, 2007

The fast-tracking of an extra harbour crossing remains a necessity, says North Shore City Mayor Andrew Williams following this morning’s inspection of the existing harbour bridge with other regional leaders and Transport Minister Annette King.

“I thank Transit for the opportunity this morning to take a close look at our harbour bridge,” says Mayor Williams.

“I’m assured that the bridge – in its present condition and with heavy-traffic restrictions – is safe for motorists, and I support the move to bring forward work to strengthen the bridge.

“The site visit however has also confirmed in my mind that the region definitely needs to move away from its sole reliance on the Auckland Harbour Bridge for north-south connectivity, and reduce the mounting pressure on this key artery.

“To cater for transport requirements now and into the future, and to ensure that Auckland and the New Zealand economy remains internationally competitive, the time has come for talk of an additional harbour crossing to be replaced by action.

“This needs to be a 10 year timeframe, not the 15 to 20 years previously proposed.

“Such a crossing, which ideally would be in the form of a tunnel, also allows greater scope for public transport benefits, including an option to extend rail from the Auckland region into North Shore City and beyond,” says Mayor Williams.

North Shore City Council is an equal partner in the Waitemata Harbour Crossing Study, with Transit, ARC, ARTA and Auckland City Council. The study to assess harbour crossing options is scheduled for completion by March 2008.

ENDS

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