Tonkin + Taylor and URS New Zealand, as part of the Northern Gateway Alliance, were assigned to develop the new bridge, and one of their design targets included full recycling of all material during the project. The consultant team was also to use the experience gained at the Waiwera Viaduct in this new project. However, estimated costs in June 2008 had risen to NZ$187 million, and it was unclear whether the funds would be made accessible quickly enough to achieve the ambitious schedule of finishing the bridge in time for the 2011 World Cup. In October 2008, funding was confirmed, but the estimated price later increased to NZ$195 million, with rising prices for fuel, construction materials and labour cited as the reasons. While still ahead of schedule, only part of the viaduct replacement was completed in time for the Rugby World cup in 2011.