North Shore business leaders say structural damage to the Auckland Harbour Bridge has left them struggling and there is a desperate need for a second Waitematā Harbour crossing.
Business North Harbour (BNH) and the Takapuna Beach Business Association (TBBA) also want a confirmed timeline showing how long it will take to permanently fix one of the bridge's steel struts, which was bent out of shape last week.
The Harbour Bridge's middle four lanes - two in each direction - have been closed to motorists since last Friday, when a double-truck crash in high winds caused structural damage to the bridge.
It's resulted in severe traffic congestion, with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) recommending any Aucklanders who usually commute across the bridge to work from home if possible.
Business leaders say the impact the crash has had on Auckland's transport system highlights its "complete lack of resilience" - and they want a permanent fix followed by a second harbour crossing to resolve the problem.
"Under current planning processes, it will be 10 years before a second harbour crossing can even be consented. It's clearer than ever that the North Shore... cannot wait that long," TBBA chief executive Terence Harpur said.
"We urgently need to know when will the bridge be permanently fixed, and what will be done to avoid a similar outcome reoccurring. Once this is sorted, let's see a timeline set in stone for the consenting and construction of a second harbour crossing.
"No more talk or promises. The North Shore now needs a concrete commitment."
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff vowed over the weekend that construction on a second crossing connecting the North Shore to the city would be underway before the end of the decade.
But Harpur and NBH general manager Kevin O'Leary says that's too long to wait for an area with a rapidly growing population that's already on par with the entire city of Wellington.
"We're not just some sleepy dormitory suburbs," said TBBA chief executive Terence Harpur. "Rather, the North Shore is one of the fastest-growing areas in New Zealand which has recorded incredibly strong employment growth.
"Our role in the country's economy has been overlooked for too long, and any long-term planning has been woeful. That needs to change and quickly."
O'Leary says a recent scoping paper carried out by the organisation shows a need for a North Shore infrastructure plan that brings transport certainty.
But for now, he just wants a speedy permanent repair to the damaged Harbour Bridge, ad certainty over how long it'll take.
"We're delighted to learn that a temporary repair may be a reality. However, a permanent fix sooner rather than later remains essential," he said.
"North Shore businesses and commuters need to be able to plan with certainty and confidence without ongoing disruption.
"We also want to know what safeguards will be put in place to minimise the chances of a repeat incident, or at the very least be assured that next time would see less commuter impact and a much quicker permanent fix."
On Monday, the Prime Minister announced a temporary solution allowing the opening of one extra lane in each direction would be administered to the bridge this week.
However Jacinda Ardern warned that a long-term solution enabling all lanes to open up is still several weeks away.
