The plans for the tunnels under Waitemata Harbour were announced yesterday by prime minister Chris Hipkins and transport minister David Parker.

The two road tunnels would be 5-6km long, while the 21km light rail tunnel would link to the existing Auckland Light Rail corridor.

The twin road tunnels would not be contingent on the light rail tunnels, with phasing options for the road tunnels to be considered by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, including whether to build both tunnels at once or separately.

The new crossing would free up capacity on the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge to allow for a busway and a separate cycle lane.

Separately, a future light rail tunnel is proposed from the Wynyard Quarter, in downtown Auckland, under the harbour east of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and on to six new stations on the North Shore. This too would be phased. Construction would not be expected to begin until at least the first of the two road tunnels was completed.


Image Credit: Eric Feng @ Unsplash

“This is a bold plan for Auckland’s future that delivers a modern transport network that will connect all parts of the city,” Hipkins said. 

“A second harbour crossing is needed as soon as possible, and construction is planned to start by the end of this decade and why we are proposing a phased approach, ensuring additional capacity is achieved after each stage.

“The recent wind-related bridge closures of the Harbour Bridge, and the increasing frequency of flooding on the approaches north of the bridge, illustrate the city’s vulnerability to interruptions. These new tunnels future-proof the city’s transport network by reducing reliance on the Harbour Bridge while creating fast new options for getting in and out of the city.”

Hipkins added the project had to be delivered in stages to manage the cost and roll-out of each element. He added the government had asked Waka Kotahi to accelerate work on essential first steps towards realising a transport plan of this scale, including protecting the route and acquiring land along the corridor.

Waka Kotahi will deliver a plan for how the elements of the cross harbour proposals can be phased and funded next year.

“With a project of this scale we will need to keep an open mind to funding options. We are seeking advice from Waka Kotahi on this,” said Parker.