Waitemata crossing study

The Auckland Regional Council and Transit New Zealand are pleased to announce that the region is embarking on a study to determine a preferred transport corridor for another major Waitemata crossing.

ARC chairman Michael Lee and Transit regional manager Peter Spies said it is widely recognised that bringing such a major infrastructure project to fruition in future requires a high level of regional co-operation.

Auckland City Council and the ARC will propose district plan and coastal plan changes providing for the redevelopment of Wynyard Quarter.

Transit’s work to date, building on earlier studies adopted by the Regional Land Transport Committee, has concluded that a tunnel carrying rapid transit as a priority, running parallel to the east of the harbour bridge, could enter the cbd beneath Wynyard Point.

The new study will help determine whether there is regional support for the Transit Board’s conclusions that such a corridor should be protected by formal designation.

Transit, the ARC, Auckland City Council, North Shore City Council and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority will work in partnership to review all options and safeguard future decisions.

Mr Lee said urban renewal on the waterfront made it prudent and timely for the region to progress plans for a further harbour crossing, although it is not expected to be required until at least 2020.

Mr Spies said that if the Wynyard corridor is preferred by the region, Transit will be able to safeguard the site by lodging a Notice of Requirement to designate the necessary land.

At a practical level, this should be lodged early next year so hearings on the plan changes and designation could be held at the same time.

ends

© Scoop Media