The Super City is saved. The government has unveiled five exciting options for a second harbour crossing, which means that Aucklanders will no longer have to endure bumper-to-bumper traffic and road rage when they cross New Zealand’s most famous bridge.

The precise details of the new bridge may still be shrouded in mystery, but it’s already being hailed as “transformational” and “visionary” by people who love buzzwords.

And with a final decision set to be made in June, there’s simply no time to waste on trivial things like determining the actual need for a bridge or how it might be paid for. The marketing campaign needs to begin now, so everyone can get hyped up about the new addition to Auckland’s cityscape before the election.

Transport Minister Michael Wood claims that the bridge, which won’t begin construction until 2029, is a “future-proofed solution” to Auckland’s traffic problems. Of course, he also admitted that he can’t predict the future, but who needs a crystal ball when you have a bridge?

Admittedly, none of the government’s options have had a business case done yet, and the price tags seem to be astronomical. But these are just mere details. Let’s lean in and revel in the warm and fuzzy glow of a big announcement. This is all about getting Auckland moving.

While it’s true that similar options in the past may have had costs well in excess of benefits, this time we can be assured that things will be different. All it takes is a can-do attitude and a willingness to throw billions of dollars into the Waitematā Harbour.

And let’s not forget the political football that comes with grand infrastructure announcements. It’s what makes election year so captivating! The politicians get to buy now, and the public pays later.

After all, who cares if the project ends up being a giant boondoggle, or if it costs taxpayers billions of dollars that could have been spent on things like healthcare or education? The important thing is that the politicians get their photo op and their soundbites, preferably while in hardhats and hi-vis vests.

And if it turns out that the new harbour crossing was a bad idea after all, well, you can always add it to the bonfire and talk about bread and butter instead.