NEW ZEALAND | The creation of a temporary water-level crossing in Viaduct Harbour using floating pontoons has been approved to progress by the Eke Panuku Board.
The Eke Panuku Board has approved the progress of the design and installation of a temporary water-level crossing while maintenance work on the Wynyard Crossing Bridge on Auckland’s waterfront is underway. The closure of the existing bridge has caused a severe loss to surrounding hospitality businesses.
Floating pontoons will provide direct pedestrian access from Te Wero Island to the Karanga Tidal Steps until the bridge returns to full operation in late 2024.
Eke Panuku has investigated the viability of a floating structure that people could walk across since it was raised earlier this month by several local businesses. While the original design was not viable from a health and safety perspective, Eke Panuku has been working with industry experts and its own team to refine the design to ensure it is safe for the public to use and can be implemented as fast as possible.
Eke Panuku Chair Paul Majurey said resolving the crossing issue had been a major focus for the organisation’s management and board.
“This is a vital lifeline for the area. The temporary pontoon crossing will help to restore foot traffic to Wynyard Quarter while the main bridge works continue. Importantly, if there is any delay with the repairs works, the pontoon can remain in place until those are fully completed,” said Majurey.
“While we have tried other measures, they have not been able to provide the pedestrian access the Wynyard Quarter businesses and residents need. The temporary pontoon will go a long way to meet the traffic demand. We are pleased to be proceeding with a solution as we are very conscious of the disruption the Wynyard Quarter community is enduring while we undertake the repairs to the main bridge.”
The design and operational phases will need to ensure public and worker safety and address the range of users who can safely use the connection. Obtaining consent in a timely manner will be key, as well as testing the operability of opening and closing the connection so boats can safely enter and exit. Work is underway with council regulatory, PCBUs and the project team, including industry experts, to address these before physical delivery.
Initial estimates indicate it will take about 12 weeks until the temporary crossing is ready for public use based on the infrastructure works, design and consenting required. The actual timing will be confirmed during the design and consenting stages. In the interim, the Red Boat ferry service will continue to transport passengers from the Maritime Museum to the Viaduct Events Centre at weekends.
Eke Panuku has been working closely with the Auckland Council Group and Wynyard Quarter businesses and residents to promote and deliver alternative travel options, including access across the water, while the repairs on the bridge are underway.
