The Northern Pathway Westhaven to Akoranga project will provide a seamless, dedicated walking and cycling link between central Auckland and the North Shore. It will connect with existing local paths to extend the region’s walking and cycling network providing people with real choice in the way they travel and significantly improve climate outcomes.
Waka Kotahi has undertaken significant work since the announcement of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme on what is a complex engineering and network challenge.
The preferred option for the Northern Pathway is now a standalone bridge alongside the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge, protecting the structural and heritage integrity of the existing bridge which is a key part of the strategic transport network, as well as creating a world class link for people to travel across the harbour on foot and on bikes for generations to come.
This would provide a more enduring solution than the design originally within the New Zealand Upgrade Programme which was a shared path attached to the side of the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge piers.
Providing a separated solution that is fit for a growing Auckland with an increasingly decarbonised transport system, will help unlock the significant investment that has already been made to enabling a healthy and sustainable transport system through a number of other walking and cycling connections on either side of the harbour.
The new design allows for growth in the number of people who will walk and cycle over the harbour in the coming decades.
Waka Kotahi will continue to look for short-term solutions to be able to provide walking and cycling access across the harbour. These solutions need to address safety, walking and cycling, motorist demands and operational issues.
Project benefits
Allows for growth in the number of people who will walk and cycle over the harbour in the coming decades.
A separate structure would safeguard the integrity of the existing bridge which is a key part of Auckland and New Zealand’s strategic transport network.
A safe and enjoyable walk or ride with a wide deck and places for people to stop and enjoy views of the harbour.
Enhanced network resilience for all users crossing the Waitematā Harbour.
Completes a strategic missing link and unlocks investment already made and planned for in the Auckland walking and cycling network.
Increases access to one of the world’s great harbours and provides health and wellbeing benefits.
Provides a dedicated 24/7 cross-harbour connection to meet the needs of current and future users.
Opportunity to create economic, environmental, social, tourism and cultural benefits for Aotearoa.
Overall, this transformational walking and cycling project is expected to provide more than 175 jobs in the infrastructure industry during its construction.
Scope
The Northern Pathway, from central Auckland to the North Shore, is split into three connected sections for delivery:
Westhaven to Akoranga, Te Ara Pae Moana (harbour bridge component) and land component between Sulphur Beach Reserve and Akoranga.
Akoranga to Constellation Drive.
Constellation Drive to Albany is under construction as part of the Northern Corridor Improvements project.
Once complete, the Northern Pathway will provide a fully separated pathway between Westhaven and Albany with local entry and exit points.
Next steps
Continued design development confirming the new bridge’s structural and architectural form and features to support a great user experience.
Continued collaboration with our iwi partners honouring the significant history and importance of the harbour and the whenua on either side.
Continued engagement with stakeholders and our communities who will live near and will use the pathway for decades to come.
Cost estimate
The Northern Pathway has been allocated $785 million (including contingencies). Costs will continue to be refined.
Timing
We are aiming to start the process to secure approvals late in 2021, using the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act. This will provide certainty and an accelerated process for obtaining final consents and designations.
The soonest construction could begin is mid-2022, subject to the approval process.
It is expected to take about four to five years to complete construction.
