Auckland Harbour Bridge cycle lane back on the cards?

Waka Kotahi is set to make a decision today on whether the Auckland Harbour Bridge will get a dedicated cycle lane.

The idea involves repurposing a lane of traffic for cycling and walking use which Waka Kotahi originally intended to do just for short-term special events.

However, a cycling lobby group has threatened legal action if the transport agency refuses to create a permanent lane.

Speaking with Newstalk ZB, National Party Transport Spokesperson Simeon Brown said a dedicated cycle lane will cause more congestion for motorists and public transport users.

“It ignores the bigger issue which is… getting on and delivering an additional harbour crossing with more lanes, allowing for more choices to be made in the longer term,” he said.

Late last year, the government proposed to build a $785 million cycling and walking bridge across the Waitematā Harbour which was widely criticised due to its high cost and overkill nature. The idea was scrapped after public backlash.

We await Waka Kotahi’s decision later on today.