The largest component of the City Rail Link (CRL) project – the construction of the tunnels and new stations – has taken a major step forward with the release of the first tender documents to the industry.
CRL Mt Eden station – artist impression
The project is picking up speed with Expressions of Interest sought for the design, procurement, installation and commissioning of all tunnel track work and rail systems between Britomart Station and the Western Line at Mt Eden.
There will be two new stations as part of the build of the underground rail line linking Britomart with the existing western line near Mt Eden. The new stations will be near Aotea Square with entrances at Wellesley and Victoria Streets and a station in Mercury Lane, just off Karangahape Road. The present Mount Eden train station will be extended and redeveloped.
The tender documents for the tunnel and station works that involve:
· Aotea Station: cut and cover construction of a 15m-deep, 300m-long underground station and plant room box, including platforms, lifts and escalators to street level, plant rooms housing station and tunnel equipment, full station fit-out and entrances at either end at Victoria and Wellesley Streets.
· Karangahape Road Station: mined construction of a 32m-deep underground station, including platform tubes and 150m-long platforms, lifts and inclined escalator to street level, plant rooms housing station and tunnel equipment within two shafts, full station fit-out, entrance at Mercury Lane and provision for a future entrance at Beresford Square.
· Tunnels: twin-bored tunnel construction (circa 7m diameter) between the Mt Eden station and the southern end of Aotea Station
· The provision of maintenance services for the new stations.
CRL project director Chris Meale says that as well as the tenders rolling out for future construction, current works are well underway.
The 2m-wide tunnel boring machine simultaneously excavating and installing a new stormwater pipe under Albert Street has finished the first leg of its journey.
The nine-storey-high piling rig working in Albert Street has already dug more than 140 of the 376 piles required.
“What will be a highly efficient and reliable transport choice for Auckland is now visibly taking shape.”
The tunnels and stations contract will be procured using a Design and Construct model with a lump sum price based on a bespoke contract.
