The cost of maintaining the Auckland Harbour Bridge has almost doubled, rising from $12.2 million to $22.4 million in just one year, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
This increase, recorded in the year to June 2025, is mainly due to a new refurbishment project that includes a full repaint of the bridge.
The bridge, which opened in May 1959, now carries over 160,000 vehicles daily. It was expanded in 1969 with extra lanes added to each side, known as “clip-ons”. With the original paint now reaching the end of its expected life, the structure needs a full strip and repaint to protect it from damage.
NZTA said earlier maintenance involved smaller repairs and over-coating to extend the life of the original paint. But now, a larger project called the Truss Bridge Refurbishment has started. This involves removing the old paint down to the bare steel before applying a new coating.
The increase in cost also includes higher spending on project planning and management, which is common at the start of large projects, the agency said.
Around 62 full-time staff are currently involved in maintaining the bridge. NZTA expects spending to stay at the same level or increase slightly over the next five years as work continues.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing about building a second crossing over the Waitematā Harbour. A plan by the previous government included road and rail tunnels costing up to $45 billion. In March 2025, Transport Minister Chris Bishop called for international ideas and aims to reveal a final decision in 2026.
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