ANZAC Centenary Bridge Group
Media Statement

2 December 2009
For Immediate Release

New Zealand Transport Authority Announcement Welcomed

Poll Shows Aucklanders Back Bridge as Cheaper Than Tunnel

The ANZAC Centenary Bridge Group says it's thrilled with today's announcement by the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) that it will consider a bridge for Auckland's second harbour crossing.

To mark the announcement, the Group has released a poll carried out by Curia Market Research last month indicating 54% of Aucklanders believe it is important or very important for the new crossing to be an iconic structure; a majority demanding bus lanes, train lines and a cycle way; and 49% also wanting a pedestrian lane.

As many as 69% say it is important or very important for the new harbour crossing to be value for money, and a majority actively support a bridge over a tunnel when told a bridge would be the cheaper option.

"Only the proposed ANZAC Centenary Bridge can deliver what Aucklanders are clearly demanding," Group spokesman Richard Simpson said today.

"A bridge would be significantly cheaper than a tunnel and only a bridge could be an iconic structure for Auckland," he said.

"What's more, our concept design for the ANZAC Centenary Bridge would carry more cars and trucks than the alternative - a combination of the existing bridge and a tunnel - and would provide for rail, cyclists and pedestrians. It is undoubtedly the best option in economic, environmental, and social terms.

"People will only support a tunnel if they don't have any details about cost or capacity. As soon as they receive facts, they change their mind."

The ANZAC Centenary Bridge Group consists of a number of well known local companies, including NZ Steel, Mainzeal, Aspec Properties, Davis Langdon, and Jasmax. It has been endorsed by organisations such as the Returned Services' Association, the Heavy Engineering Research Association and Heart of the City, and has received guidance on financial and technical matters from leading international consulting firms.

Representatives of the Group have had encouraging informal discussions on the ANZAC Centenary Bridge with Prime Minister John Key, Transport Minister Steven Joyce, Auckland MPs, and other Government officials. It presented a paper to the NZTA Board last week.

The Group determined to achieve a solution to the Waitemata Harbour crossing debate that addresses Auckland's transport needs, celebrates the city's natural and cultural heritage, and elevates its standing on the world stage.

The Group is calling for construction of the new bridge to begin by 2015, to commemorate the ANZAC Day centenary.

Mr Simpson said all the Group was seeking at this time was for the Government and NZTA to give equal consideration to a bridge as to a tunnel

"We are absolutely thrilled with today's announcement by NZTA. We are well ahead of our timelines and we look forward to working constructively with the Government and NZTA as they move towards further decisions," he said.

ENDS

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