Plans are afoot to replace the Wynyard Crossing pedestrian bridge that links the city centre to the waterfront with a new, more reliable bridge.

The existing Wynyard Crossing – a critical transport connection – was installed as a temporary structure for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. It’s reaching the end of its useful life and needs frequent and costly repairs to keep it running smoothly. Auckland mayor Phil Goff says the new bridge will operate more efficiently and cater for the greater number of people who live, work and pass through Wynyard Quarter, as well as the surge of visitors expected to be spending time on the waterfront for the America’s Cup.

Panuku Development’s Allan Young says the replacement will also be more visually spectacular and larger than the current bridge. “The ‘double leaf’ design is reminiscent of modern yacht masts or the wings of a large seabird. It will be a landmark addition to an already thriving neighbourhood and will be something all Aucklanders can be proud of.”

The proposed bridge is expected to be 60% lighter to lift than a single arm design, using far less energy to operate. Maintenance can be carried out on each arm separately, adding to the efficiency of the structure. It can also be built using smaller, less intrusive cranes.

Providing resource consent is granted by mid-2019, construction will start in early 2020 and be completed at the end of the year. During construction, a temporary pontoon bridge will be in place for pedestrians to move between Te Wero Island and Viaduct Harbour.