Progress for Auckland's central bike bridge

Canada Street bridge being lifted into place above the Southern Motorway at Spaghetti Junction central Auckland as part of a new cycle way being built. Photo / Supplied

Auckland's new central bike bridge has started to snake over Spaghetti Junction after the installation of its first prefabricated sections.

The first and longest section of what will be a 160-metre cycling and pedestrian bridge from Canada St to a disused motorway ramp down to Nelson St was craned into place on Wednesday night.

Spanning a southbound carriageway of the Southern Motorway, the 54m section weighing 95 tonnes was joined last night by a shorter piece, leaving seven more to be added from Sunday.

Wednesday's 95-tonne lift was the heaviest of the programme, which is part of a $13.9 million project to develop a bikeway right down Hobston St to the waterfront, with an additional branch connection along Pitt St to Karangahape Rd.

Transport Agency highways manager Brett Gliddon says the 4m wide bridge is already capturing the imagination of Aucklanders.

"We're not only providing great cycling links - we're building something beautiful for the people of Auckland and its visitors to enjoy," he said.

He expected it to become "a statement structure within the city's skyline" while providing an example of the world-class infrastructure which would help to make cycling a safe and viable transport option.

Cycle Action Auckland chairwoman Barbara Cuthbert is calling it "a seriously stunning project."

The first stage of the bikeway, along Hobson St to Victoria St, is due to be open by Christmas and Auckland Transport is seeking public submissions on the second phase to the waterfront and Karangahape Rd to be undertaken next year.

It will complete a sweeping central Auckland bike loop, connecting at the Upper Queen St bridge with the $16.5m Grafton Gully cycleway from Beach Rd.

Although Auckland Council is contributing $2.55m to the latest project, the Government is providing the lion's share of $11.35m.