Clock ticking for third crossing decision!

Planning for the construction of a third Waitamata Harbour crossing must begin immediately, according to North Shore City Councillor Gary Holmes, who is urging the Auckland Regional Land Transport Committee to give the matter its highest priority.

Information detailing the feasibility of constructing such a crossing was outlined in a report released by Transit yesterday. Mr Holmes, a long time advocate for a third crossing, says the report makes it very clear that the clock is ticking.

"The fact that the existing Harbour Bridge clip-ons may need replacing as early as 2020 is a very compelling reason why urgent decisions need to be made now, a preferred option agreed upon and public consultation begun.

"The point at issue is the strategic vulnerability of relying on one aging and already inadequate transport route. The truth is Auckland and in particular the Shore is far too reliant on a single harbour crossing," Mr Hr Holmes stated.

Mr Holmes said he hoped the other Councils in the region would support the latest move to construct a third crossing.

"My fear is we have seen all this before and it has come to nothing from the lack of political will to see it through, Mr Holmes said. "Admittedly the problems, especially those associated with financing the construction, and the potential social dislocation, are daunting but the prospects of not making a responsible effort to get it underway are far more disturbing. We must find the political will to see it through".

Mr Holmes said he believed the preferred tunnel option V promoted by Transit was the best option but added that further work would be needed to look at the actual linkages to the North Shore and the effect on the roading network.

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