Conservatives to Push Bridge Option

Conservative Party Leader Colin Craig says he will ask the government to reconsider a second harbour bridge if his party is in a position of influence after next year’s election.

“While today’s statements by the Prime Minister may serve some political purpose, the announcement clearly shows the reality that finances will prevent most of the projects being undertaken anytime soon,” Mr Craig says.

“The very long timeframes given before government funds will be committed to these projects allow for constructive amendments,” he says. “We will therefore be asking the government to relook at a second harbour bridge, because the tunnel is a second rate option.”

“A bridge (such as the ANZAC bridge proposal) has clear advantages,” says Mr Craig. “It will cost less, it could handle higher volumes of traffic, and it has the chance of becoming iconic if properly designed. Most importantly it could be completed in a much shorter timeframe. A bridge would improve the economic and environmental outcomes for Aucklanders in the near future, instead of promises that are a long way off, and economically far less efficient.”

ENDS

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