Auckland’s future headed underground

September, 2009

Auckland’s future headed underground

Auckland’s infrastructure system is about to receive a major boost with two of the region’s largest projects in almost a decade one step closer.

Local professional technical consultancy AECOM (formerly Maunsell) has been named lead consultant for KiwiRail and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority’s (ARTA) CBD Rail Link Study and Watercare’s Central Interceptor wastewater network.

“With our partners, AECOM is excited about leading both the CBD rail tunnel and Central Interceptor projects, two of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure developments focused on ‘future proofing Auckland’s infrastructure,” says AECOM Regional Director Dean Kimpton.

Both projects are vital to building Auckland’s capacity for future generations. With a combined capital value in excess of $2 billion, the projects represent two of the largest tunnelling projects in this country’s history, but more importantly, a significant investment in Auckland’s future.

The CBD Rail Link Study, which AECOM is undertaking with Beca, Parsons Brinckerhoff and Hassell, will focus on the establishment and protection of the preferred route for a proposed 3.5km long underground railway and associated underground stations beneath the Auckland Central Business District, connecting Britomart station to the existing western rail line near Mt Eden.

The construction of an underground link through the CBD is expected to have a profound ‘city shaping’ impact, given the project’s potential to unlock Auckland’s transport network. Once complete it will greatly increase accessibility for the quarter of a million commuters who travel to Auckland’s CBD each day. The scale of the economic benefits to be derived from the project is to be quantified as part of the study.

Mr Kimpton said, “The CBD Rail Link Study is focused on further completing Auckland’s public transport network, making rail a more complete option for commuters and bringing shoppers and businesses back into the heart of the city.”

Watercare’s Central Interceptor programme includes a large diameter pipeline to address required duplication of a key wastewater interceptor, development of regional collection and treatment masterplans, and optimisation of the new duplication pipeline to cost-effectively address wastewater overflows. The Central Interceptor programme is vital for addressing critical short and long-term needs, including providing capacity for regional growth and development.

“Watercare’s Central Interceptor project will help address the risks associated with ageing wastewater infrastructure and provides a significant opportunity to consider cost-effective solutions for addressing overflows in other parts of the network”.

Mr Kimpton believes the two projects are “a clear illustration of the commitment to ensuring Auckland continues to move forward.

About AECOM

AECOM (NYSE: ACM) is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental and energy. With 43,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation, and technical excellence in delivering solutions that enhance and sustain the world's built, natural, and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 100 countries and had revenue of $5.9 billion during the 12-month period ended March 31, 2009. More information on AECOM and its services can be found at www.aecom.com

ENDS

© Scoop Media