Connectus, the McConnell Dowell and Downer Joint Venture team, is proud to announce the completion of the first section of the City Rail Link project (Contract 2) in Auckland, New Zealand.
Over 1.3 million hours of work and more than 2,300 workers have played part in delivering 350 metres underground concrete twin rail tunnels underneath Albert Street from Customs Street to Wyndham Street. A 13-metre wide trench, which was 18-metres at its deepest point (about the same height as a five-storey building), was excavated using cut and cover methodology.
The project involved the construction of a new stormwater line from Swanson Street to Wellesley Street, diversion and protection of numerous underground utilities, construction of underground rail tunnels from Customs Street West to Wyndham Street, and the streetscape enhancement.
‘Undertaking this type of work in the middle of Auckland’s CBD was very challenging, but the whole team rose to the task. We are very pleased by what we achieved on this project and are looking forward to handing over the first stage of this transformative public transport infrastructure back to the community’, says Marianne Rogers, Connectus Senior Project Manager.
As well as building tunnels and an enhanced urban realm, Connectus had also worked with City Rail Link Limited to achieve ambitious sustainability outcomes. The CRL project is aiming to build New Zealand’s largest transport infrastructure project without using unnecessary resources or creating unnecessary waste for both its design and construction phases, using the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) framework to verify progress. It has already been awarded a ‘Leading’ design rating - the highest possible achievement in the ISCA scheme.
The project also won numerous industry awards including:
- NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards 2018
- Efficiency Champion
- Supreme Award: Transforming New Zealand Award
- Deloitte Energy Excellence Awards 2018
- Large Energy User Initiative of the Year
We acknowledge the challenges for project neighbours during construction. Throughout the project, Connectus supported local businesses wherever possible by ordering catering, holding functions at their premises and encouraging staff to purchase lunches and coffees from local vendors.
We are thankful to our project teams and we would like to express our gratitude to the Albert Street community, all our subcontractors and supplies and our customer City Rail Link Limited for their help and support throughout the duration of the project.
To learn more about the project click here.
