SkyPath plans scrapped as NZTA releases new design for Auckland Harbour Bridge walkway

Wednesday, 22 May 2019

NZTA announces new Auckland Harbour Bridge pedestrian path plans.

SkyPath plans for pedestrian access across the Auckland Harbour Bridge have been scrapped in favour of a different shared walking and cycling path.

The New Zealand Transport Agency announced plans for the new path, which would be attached to the bridge piers, rather than clipped on to the side, on Wednesday.

It would allow for separation between people on foot and on bikes.

The proposed 'Auckland Harbour Bridge Shared Path' will provide a five-metre-wide path flanking the Harbour Bridge’s southbound traffic.

The new design will be a five metre-wide path flanking the Harbour Bridge's city bound traffic side, directly linking Westhaven to Northcote Point and connecting with the future SeaPath route.

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Transport Agency's General Manager System Design and Delivery, Brett Gliddon said he was delighted to create more active transport choices for Aucklanders.

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The Transport Agency's general manager of system design and delivery, Brett Gliddon, said he was 'delighted' to make the announcement.

'We know Aucklanders want to cross the harbour on foot and by bike as quickly as possible.

The new shared path was the favoured over the SkyPath.

'[We've] been working hard to develop a design that meets the future demands of all bridge users, is affordable and preserves the structural integrity of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.'

He said in-depth analysis identified the attributes needed in the new design and said splitting the path for cyclists and walkers would make it 'safer and more enjoyable for all users'.

The pedestrian route would include areas to sit and will have viewing galleries.

The galleries would be terraced down from the cycleway to create a natural seating area, separate from the cycleway.

The path will have daytime and nighttime modes.

The daytime mode would create a 'strong sculptural symbol' for cycling across the harbour bridge while the night mode will use architectural lighting to 'shine an even greater spotlight on the iconic bridge structure', he said.

Gliddon acknowledged the tireless work and dedication of those who have campaigned for a walking and cycling connection across the bridge, in particular the SkyPath Trust.

'While recognising their vision and legacy the Transport Agency is also mindful of its role to ensure that we deliver the best outcomes and value for money for all New Zealanders.'

SkyPath Trust project director Bevan Woodward welcomed the NZTA's design and described it as 'quite an enhancement on SkyPath' and akin to a 'wonderful evolution'.

'It just continues the exciting journey of what's been a tough but rewarding 15 years of working on this.'

He said the trust had met with the NZTA for the first time in six months on Wednesday and both parties had agreed to 'reset' their relationship and start working together again.

'We have the knowledge and the NZTA has the great, new design and together we can get it delivered sooner for Aucklanders.'

Woodward confirmed the trust's protest planned for Sunday, which had been slammed by the NZTA and police as 'unlawful' for its plans to cross the Harbour Bridge, had been called off.

New Auckland Harbour Bridge pedestrian path

The path will be attached to the bridge piers rather than clipped on, so there will be no load restrictions
No restrictions on the number of people able to access the path at one time
Designed to cater for future demands
Safer than other alternatives, because there is greater room for different users to share the space
Has the ability for people to access and exit the path from the existing bridge in an emergency
The path will go ahead regardless of any future plans for an additional Waitemata Harbour connection
It matches the shape and design of the existing bridge
The path will include wide viewing galleries where people can gather to enjoy views without impeding the travel of pedestrians and cyclists

Harbour bridge path history

Aucklanders have been campaigning for a pedestrian access across the Auckland Harbour Bridge for well over 10 years.

A prominent proposal was the SkyPath, but disputes between the SkyPath trust and the NZTA led to constant delays.

In August last year, the Government announced it would payout $67m to fund the SkyPath, but could not give a completion date.

Previously, SkyPath was going to be a public-private partnership, but the council's construction partner Downer pulled out in 2017, saying it disagreed with the fixed price set for the contract.

Tensions between SkyPath trust and the NZTA escalated and resulted in a independent report being launched in March by former NZTA chair Michael Stiassny.

The results of the report were released on Wednesday and found the agency had committed no wrongdoing and acted in good faith.

The investigation, by law firm Simpson Grierson, said the dispute concerned whether the agency had been given access to necessary documentation to review the trust's design plans for a walkway and cycleway.

SkyPath Trust claimed NZTA went quiet amid discussions to buy the trust's intellectual property and design work for its concept.

The trust accused NZTA of 'sabotaging' and 'deliberately delaying' the rollout of the project.

NZTA interim chief executive Mark Ratcliffe said the investigation examined whether the agency entered into any commercial arrangements with the SkyPath Trust.

It also examined whether NZTA created an expectation it would procure services from the trust and be involved in designing, building or operating the walking and cycling crossing.

The report concluded NZTA staff committed no wrongdoing and the agency acted in good faith.

However, it found communication could have been better between the two organisations.