The Conversation, Summarised by Centrist
Timothy Welch writes that the release of five options for a second harbour crossing are just the latest in a long line of proposals that date back at least 35 years.
A sixth option might, in fact, be the best: apply congestion charging to the Auckland CBD, and give public transport, walking and cycling better access to the existing bridge.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge officially opened in 1959. Within a decade, extra lanes built in Japan were bolted to the bridge.
From 1988 until 2010, various second crossing options were studied and presented.
The original plans for the bridge had also included tolled cycle lanes, but these were eventually rejected for cost.
Given the long history of studying, gathering feedback and then doing nothing about a second crossing (or improving public and active transport options on the existing bridge), some scepticism is warranted.
