EV and H2 demands in mix for fresh look at harbour crossing

Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Michael Barnett says now is the time for an “additional and modern” Waitematā Harbour crossing for general traffic.

He says COVID-19, the accelerating demand for electric vehicles and new fuels such as hydrogen, provide an opportunity for a fresh look at Auckland’s overall network demands and growth plan.

This comes as the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission begins to undertake a study

 on the impact of COVID-19 on the infrastructure-related construction sector.

Infrastructure has been identified by the Government as a priority to support the economy as the country looks to recover from the disruption caused by the pandemic.

Barnett says a new Auckland harbour crossing will be “a project for the whole of New Zealand”.

A 2018 NZ Transport Agency analysis shows that the approaches to the Harbour Bridge are now at capacity in both directions at the AM and PM peaks.

Less than half of commuters travelling south across the bridge in the morning work in the CBD, meaning enhanced public transport alone is unlikely to meet their needs, he says.

Heavy commercial traffic has also increased 30% in five years and restrictions on freight are expected around 2030.

With an additional cost per truck of $40 to use the Western Ring Route and 27,000 expected to cross the harbour in 2046, that’s around $1 million extra per day, he says.

Michael Barnett

“Although the need is urgent the decision shouldn’t be rushed or reactive. It should be considered, evidence based and justified on the basis of long term economic, social, environmental and cultural outcomes.

“The Infrastructure Commission needs to review the project in the context of infrastructure needs for the upper North Island,” Barnett says.

Meanwhile, National Party leader Judith Collins has already promised to “get started quickly” on work to build a second Auckland harbour crossing in the first term of government if her party wins the election.

“Our aim is for work to start in 2028 with a road and rail tunnel under the Waitemata Harbour,” she says.

Deloitte and multinational engineering firm AECOM will carry out the study and results will be used to identify and develop a set of policy interventions aimed to accelerate recovery.

Participants are asked to share their views on the economic impact of COVID-19 on businesses, the current challenges they face and the solutions they believe can aid recovery.

The Infrastructure Construction Sector: COVID-19 Recovery Study closes on Wednesday, October 7 and can be accessed here.