This comes in lieu of a proposed 10-lane bridge. The government had said in 2018 it would not make any decision until 2020.

The committee said the immersed tube option is a cheaper alternative to a deep bore tunnel, and that the bridge could create an unappealing impacts on the local community, for example increased noise and obstructing views.

The existing Massey tunnel is a single tube, 600m long with four lanes. It is 60 years old.