Auckland Harbour Bridge?

Question

Does anybody else agree that there should be a public walkway and/or cycle way across the Harbour bridge? Is there a reason why there isn't one, eg: too steep, too expensive, too obvious?

Answer 1

I agree with you am38. A walkway and cyclist lane on the Harbour bridge is long over-due. It was predicted that a walkway and cyclist lane would be ready by 2002, yet still nothing. The main reason the plan was dropped in the late1950's was to cut cost. Yet the bridge has a climbing frame which caters for tourist, if a walkway was to be included it would be, more so, for the tourist. Lets hope that we won't be charged when it does happen.

Answer 2

Yeah - I agree, but the kiwis are always behind the Aussies.

Answer 3

When the bridge was originally planned back in the 1950s, there was provision for a cycle and walkway; but they were canned in order to save money. Pressure is continuing to grow for cycle and walkways to be incorporated into the bridge but again the biggest stumbling block is allocating money from the roading budget. Unfortunately, Auckland has massive roading problems which take priority over providing cycle and walkways over the bridge and my understanding is that the current funding allocated to such a project is - zero!!!! I further understand that there is a study underway and about to be completed which may see this project get underway for completion by 2009..........

Additional comments:

I agree. Adding a cycle/walkway will have a positive impact on traffic congestion; the extent and cost benefit of which will, I imagine, be highlighted in any study. But also remember that the bridge has particular issues which a standard motorway may not (e.g. increased wind factors, relative difficulty of sideways expansion, etc)