A new cycling overbridge spanning Auckland's busiest motorway junction is starting to take shape on the city's skyline.

The first and largest of seven sections of the Canada Street Bridge was moved into position overnight.

NZTA's Brett Gliddon says a crane and large team of workers were involved in the delicate operation.

It had to be placed precisely, so that other pieces of the bridge can fit around it.

Brett Gliddon describes the new bridge as a beautifully designed piece of engineering.