‘Ploy to delay’ on SkyPath

NZTA’s announcement that it is now reviewing the options for Auckland Harbour Bridge’s SkyPath has been labelled “a ploy to delay” the project.

SkyPath Trust’s project director, Bevan Woodward, said any change to the design will require reopening the resource consent application, when several independent studies have already considered and evaluated all the possible design options.

NZ Transport Agency says it’s determined to make the right decision.

“So far, the business-case process has been looking at a number of design options that could be possible, and we need to do more work before we know the right design to take forward,” said Brett Gliddon of the agency. “We want to get it right the first time, including the right width so more people can use it without restrictions, as well as the best materials to build the structure.”

But Woodward said NZTA architects Monk McKenzie had already reviewed SkyPath and identified no key issues.

“Over the past decade NZTA has been involved every step of the way to arrive at the final design.”

Woodward said SkyPath’s resource consent cost about $2 million, and the Auckland Council is awaiting reimbursement of this cost by NZTA.

“NZTA is using SkyPath Trust’s intellectual property without the legal right to do so and have disengaged from working with SkyPath Trust.

“NZTA’s claim they must review the design options is a disingenuous ploy to delay SkyPath.”

NZTA said the earliest construction could start on the path over the harbour bridge is late 2020.