|
Kia ora ,
We hope you all enjoyed time with family and loved ones over Christmas and New Year and have been enjoying the stunning weather this summer!
As the country moves into the "red" Covid Protection Framework setting, a reminder that the city centre is open for business and visitors. Visit Heart of the City to discover more, and read on below for more details about Link Alliance tours and other activities happening around the Aotea Station site.
We are starting off the year well after achieving all our major 2021 milestones! In the days before Christmas, we completed all station foundation works, and the TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) broke-through into Aotea Station (watch the impressive video below).
2022 is going to be another big one, as we work hard towards the completion of midtown's brand new train station. This year you can expect to see the following and more:
- Construction of the underground platform level will begin.
- Bluestone wall will start to reappear on Albert Street.
- Streetscape upgrades to commence towards the end of the year.
- Station entrances will begin to appear on Victoria Street.
- Excavation of all spoil will be completed this year.
- Dame Whina Cooper, our TBM, makes her second tunnel run from Mt Eden Station to Aotea Station.
Ngā mihi nui,
The Aotea Station team
|
|
The beginning of a new journey for our TBM, Dame Whina Cooper
|
|
|
This month we began the process of disassembling the cutterhead and shield (front section) of the TBM and trucking them back to Mt Eden Station where they will be reassembled to begin the second tunnel run.
An impressive 450 tonne crane was needed to lift the cutterhead up to street level where it was then trucked overnight back to Mt Eden Station. The early morning delivery ensured it did not impact traffic during peak travel times.
The sections of the shield are so heavy they require two 450 tonne cranes to perform a tandem lift. The front section of the shield has now been lifted out and is awaiting transport back to Mt Eden.
TBM Thursdays will be your last chance to see the TBM from a distance before it returns to Mt Eden in late February. Book your tickets here as spaces are limited to 50 people per session. Vaccine passes and masks are mandatory.
To follow the TBM's progress visit www.digCRL.co.nz
|
|
|
|
The cutterhead being lifted from out from Aotea Station by a 450 tonne crane. It was returned to Mt Eden by truck last week.
|
|
|
The front section of the shield was then lifted out using two 450 tonne cranes working in tandem, and is now ready to depart to Mt Eden.
|
|
Public information centre and TBM trail are open
|
|
Our information hub, Te Pukaki, is now officially open, and remains open during "red". Come down and visit us on the corner of Elliot and Victoria St to learn all about the construction of Aotea Station and the CRL project.
Our TBM Trail is also open - follow the green and red footpath stickers to our information centre and TBM hoarding (which includes viewing windows).
Sign up for TBM Thursdays (this week and next) to meet our experts and view the TBM. Complete a quiz on the day for a free Coffix coffee voucher, and a chance to win more local business vouchers and a "behind the scenes" tour of Aotea Station.
|
|
|
|
The first TBM Thursday event saw members of the public getting the chance to talk directly with TBM and construction staff about the project.
|
|
|
Te Pūkaki is our public information centre located on the corner of Elliott and Victoria Streets. The TBM Trail starts here!
|
|
|
|
Follow the TBM Trail, linking our public information centre (corner Elliott and Victoria Sts) with our TBM hoarding (Mayoral Drive).
|
|
|
Visit our TBM hoarding on Mayoral Drive (near Wellesley St) for a heap of fun facts and special viewing windows of underground construction.
|
|
Upcoming public tours and activations - reserve your spot!
|
|
From public tours of Aotea Station construction and heritage, to a family-friendly scavenger hunt and TBM Thursdays, we have something for everyone -- for all the details see below.
These events and activations are able to go-ahead in the "red" setting, however please note that vaccine passes and masks are required to attend.
Keep an eye on City Rail Link's Facebook for future event announcements!
|
|
|
|
Public site tours are back! From February through to May these tours will be taken fortnightly. These are highly popular so make sure to secure your spot here >>
|
|
Join historian Edward Bennett to learn about the history of the midtown area where the new CRL Aotea Station is being constructed.
Reserve your spot here >>
|
|
|
|
Join Curious Creatures of the Concrete Jungle in a fantastical exploration of the city, a special treasure hunt for families throughout January and February. Sponsored by Link Alliance.
|
|
|
Remember to save your spot for our TBM Thursdays for your chance to speak with the experts constructing the new Aotea Station and the underground twin tunnels!
|
|
Farewell to Sandrine (our d-wall rig)
|
|
|
Our diaphragm wall rig (also known as a hydrofraise), affectionally called Sandrine, has now finished all her duties at Aotea Station and the CRL project. She has departed for a new construction job over in Singapore.
This 90 tonne excavation machine has had a long history with the City Rail Link project. Starting in 2017, Sandrine helped to build tunnels below the 100-year-old Chief Post Office building (Britomart Station). In 2018, Sandrine returned to France before making a comeback in June 2020 joining the Link Alliance. During her time at Aotea Station, Sandrine excavated 140 diaphragm walls over the course of 17 months and 2500 working hours.
The rig is named after Sandrine Mussier (pictured below), who worked for CRL contractor Soletanche-Bachy looking after its international project staff. To learn more about CRL's big machines click here >>
|
|
|
|
Sandrine excavating diaphragm walls along Albert Street opposite the Auckland Council building.
|
|
|
|
Sandrine Mussier (left) works with Soletanche Bachy (part of the Link Alliance) looking after its international project staff.
|
|
|
With the completion of the D-wall construction the big red silos of the bentonite plant are also on their way to a new home.
|
|
Support your local - Accord Barbers
|
|
|
Rafat, owner at Accord Barbers (62 Victoria Street West) is offering a discounted rate for those who are after a fresh cut. With hundreds of positive good reviews, he has even cut All Black Aaron Smith’s hair on a few occasions! Accord Barbers pride themselves on providing classic services and aim to exceed their customers' expectations. Head along to get a men’s haircut for $29!
|
|
|
|
