Inevitable disruption over the next four years
Sourced Content
Auckland, November 16, 2019
Construction in the Auckland City Centre will ramp up from the start of 2020 as the next phase of development programme gets underway.
Mayor Phil Goff said that Auckland’s City Centre is experiencing an unprecedented level of development and investment.
“Transformational projects such as the City Rail Link, Quay Street enhancement, Wynyard Common, Karangahape Road upgrade, High Street and more will help accommodate Auckland’s population growth and ensure our City develops as a vibrant destination for people,” he said.
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Inevitable disruption
Mr Goff said that the scale of these developments means interim disruption is inevitable during the delivery phase.
“However, the legacy they leave will be more than worthwhile, a world-class City Centre that Aucklanders are proud of and that enables us to fulfil our role as New Zealand’s internationally competitive City.”
Construction on the City Rail Link’s tunnels and the new Aotea and Karangahape Stations will accelerate in the New Year. Several long-term road closures, partial closures and diversions are planned around Wellesley Street, Victoria Street, Pitt Street and Beresford Square. (The Wellesley and Victoria Streets will not be closed at the same time).
Mt Eden Station will be closed from June 2020 until 2024, allowing for underground tunnelling and a complete upgrade of the station itself.
Significant activities
City Rail Link Limited Chief Executive Dr Sean Sweeney said that the works along Albert Street between Wyndham and Wellesley Streets will be the first of a number of significant construction activities.
“So, Aucklanders will need to be prepared and flexible as the CRL progresses,” he said.
Auckland Transport Executive General Manager (Integrated Networks) Mark Lambert said that his Organisation is working with Link Alliance and Auckland Transport (AT) to reduce disruption and ensure pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and road users can continue to move safely around the City Centre.
Wellesley Street closure
“The closure of Wellesley Street in 2020 will inevitably be disruptive but we have plans to help people move around the City while this work is underway. While we regret the disruption this will cause, we will be providing information about alternative ways to get around the City,” he said.
Mr Lambert said that these projects which will change the shape of Auckland.
“We encourage people to plan ahead, and find different ways to commute,” he said.
AT’s plans include the introduction of new bus priority lanes within the City Centre and a new bus service between Mt Eden and Newmarket.
A public information campaign will start to let people know about closures and route changes and to suggest better ways to get around town from January 2020.
Summary of major road closures
Victoria Street: Partial closure to one lane in each direction, from Federal Street to Elliott Street: January 2020 to March 2020
Wellesley Street: Full closure of intersection with Albert Street: March 2020 to December 2020
Mayoral Drive: Vehicle access from Wellesley Street: March 2020 to 2024
Pitt Street: Partial closure from Vincent Street to Karangahape Road: January 2020 to July 2021
Beresford Square: Permanent closure from January 2020
Mt Eden Road: Partial closure from Water Street to Enfield Street: July 2020 to June 2021
Mt Eden Station: Full closure from (trains will continue to run but will not stop): June 2020 to December 2024
Victoria Street: Full closure of intersection with Albert Street: January 2021 to July 2022.
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Photo Caption:
- An artist’s impression of the Aotea CRL Station (Auckland Council Picture)
- Major City Rail Link works on Albert Street (CRL Picture)
