Tunnel option for Auckland

Press, 26 April 1988, Page 4

Tunnel option for Auckland

PA Auckland A giant bridge across the Waitemata Harbour and a six-lane road tunnel under it are; two; options outlined in Ja transport study released 'by the Auckland Regional Authority. I i

The study, by the Ministry of Works and Development and private! consultants. is one of four made public recently by the A.R.A. urban transport committee as-part! of a big transport review, i One study evaluates a tunnel between the harbour bridge's! city'end and the central business district.

Another study looked at two more fast ferry services across the harbour. The third study!assesses using existing rail-lines for trams, road buses; or buses on guided itracks. The fourth study, the

Waitemata Harbour Crossing study. examines three bridge and viaduct routes across the harbour and two tunnel routes.

For tunnel options, the study' recommends "immersed tube" construction where pre-built tunnel sections are dropped into a prepared trench on the seabed and joined together. The study also evaluates bridge and tunnel routes for public transport only which could be built smaller and much cheaper than ! all-access bridges or tunnels. Another option being considered in the A.R.A. transport review is an $B3 million monorail between North Shore and central Auckland. The A.R.A. will assess its i options and decide later this year which to pursue and where to find the money.