Govt Could Go Full Bore On New Harbour Crossing
January 29th, 2009
The Govt has given a strong indication it favours fast tracking a second Auckland harbour crossing, announcing the project could be included in its long term infrastructure plan. The move is likely be seen in Wellington as a clear signal the Govt sees greater priority for large scale Auckland projects over those planned around the capital. Transport Minister, Steven Joyce, received a briefing on the bridge earlier this month. This includes the project to strengthen the bridge, as well as planning work around a second harbour crossing for possible inclusion in the Govt’s 20 year infrastructure plan. The details of this will be announced before year’s end.
Initial funding sought. The NZ Transport Agency has applied for funding to pay for the first step in the project – marking out the territory the tunnel crossing will use and making sure no one builds over it. NZTA planning GM, Wayne McDonald, says the organisation has applied for a formal “notice of requirement”, which effectively reserves its right to use the land. The proposed new route goes under the Tank Farm area on the harbour front, to the east of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The notice will mean future developments there cannot drive piles into the harbour bedrock, through the existing landfill. The agency has also applied for several million dollars of funding to move the planning through its first few stages.
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