NZTA's worst-kept Waterview Tunnel secret

  • 01/07/2017

The exact time you'll be able to drive through Auckland's Waterview Tunnel has been shrouded in secrecy, but have online maps given the game away?

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has said the $1.4 billion roading project would open in the first week of July, has not yet given an exact day and time.

NZTA won't comment on rumours the tunnel is opening this weekend, but says the date is being kept quiet for safety reasons and to avoid congestion caused by keen tunnel drivers.

But a roadworks notification on Google Maps on Saturday morning reads: "Road closure on on-ramp to State Highway 20. Closed until midnight."

Waterview Tunnel Google Maps
Road information on Google Maps Photo credit: Google Maps

And on Apple Maps, a roadworks notification says: "Road Closed: Ending tomorrow at 01:59."

Waterview road information Apple Maps
Waterview road information on Apple Maps. Photo credit: Apple Maps

Could this be a clue toward a quiet overnight opening plan? It seems to be more than a coincidence that both maps specify July 2. 

However, map technology has been wrong before. In April, when the project was initially due to open, drivers' TomTom devices were telling them to drive through the unfinished tunnel. 

The Waterview connection was due to open in April, but there were some problems with safety features found during final checks.

"Precise timeframes are dependent on this work," spokesperson Sarah Azam said.

"It's important to remember the testing and commissioning has worked exactly as it's designed to do. It has picked up a potential issue before opening and steps are now being taken to fix this to ensure the tunnel operates as expected when it opens.

"The Waterview Connection has been in construction for five years and while this delay is disappointing, short delays like this are not uncommon for such a large-scale and complex construction programme."

Newshub.