The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has reached a construction milestone on the NZD1.4 billion ($1.16 billion) Auckland Waterview Connection project in Auckland, New Zealand.
The agency has completed construction of Western Ring Route, which forms an integral part of the project. The completion of the route triggers the start of the next phase of scheme, which involves enabling work at the northern end of the Waterview Connection project. The enabling work involves excavation of 30m trench that will enable the launch of tunnel boring machine for the excavation of the tunnel for the project.
The next phase of development will include creation of parking space, which is likely to offset the temporary loss of land required by the project team on the existing Waterview Reserve. The agency will also undertake the removal of the 96 NZTA-owned properties in north Waterview, relocate the services and construct noise walls, which will be undertaken in phased manner.
The Waterview Connection project involves construction of twin three-lane tunnels, which will be 2.4km long. Set to be completed in 2016, the project forms an important link to the Western Ring Route. The project will deliver a 48km motorway that will connect the Southwestern (State Highway 20) and Northwestern (SH16) motorways and will ease pressure on SH1 and the Auckland Harbour Bridge.