Aotea Station newsletter - December 2019

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December 2019

Kia ora

Welcome to the first Link Alliance newsletter for Aotea Station, part of the City Rail Link project. In here, we’ll bring you monthly updates on construction progress and let you know what’s coming up.

When it opens in 2024, Aotea Station is expected to be the busiest train station in New Zealand. But first, we need to build it!

Construction activity for Aotea Station will occur on Albert Street, between Wyndham Street and Wellesley Street West, and on intersecting streets such as Victoria Street West, Kingston Street and Mayoral Drive.

The current Wellesley Street West and Mayoral Drive intersection, and an artist’s impression of the same location showing the completed Aotea Station.

Works progress

In September this year, early works got underway. We’re relocating underground utility services, such as electricity and gas, out of the way of the station footprint.

First, we undertake investigatory work, to establish the services’ location. Next, we dig a deep trench, usually within the footpath, and shift services into this new location. Throughout, we’ll maintain pedestrian access along the street and into buildings.

Early works continue up until 24 December, and will resume on 6 January.

A “slot trench” is dug to identify services below the road surface. / Utility pipe relocation next to Bluestone wall.

Key dates - December 2019 to February 2020

Bledisloe car park

A construction support area will be established in the current Bledisloe open air car park (corner of Wellesley Street West and Mayoral Drive). This area is where the main station entrance will be built.

Trees

Due to the establishment of the construction site (including portacabins, plant and machinery), trees need to be removed from the Bledisloe car park and immediate surrounds.
Some trees will also be removed from locations on Albert Street, between Wyndham Street and Mayoral Drive, and around the intersection of Albert Street and Victoria Street West.
During tree removal, pedestrian detours will be used in some locations. Please follow the signs to move safely through the area.
Each tree is assessed by the project arborist to determine the viability of transplanting. Many existing trees’ roots are entangled with underground structures, unfortunately reducing the likelihood of transplanting. Felled trees are offered to Mana Whenua and local wood turning or craft groups.
The project is committed to minimising tree removals as much as possible. At the end of station construction, we will plant new trees across the CRL project, at a minimum of one new tree for each tree removed.

Mark, community wood turner, and the groups he represents are lucky recipients of some of the wood from the Bledisloe car park.

Road changes in the new year

This list provides an overview of the main road changes coming up over the next few months. These changes are part of the early works programme, which involves the diversion of utility services away from the station box footprint. In advance of starting any new area of construction, we will engage with businesses and residents close to the works area. We will also maintain access into businesses and properties. Exact dates will be communicated with affected businesses and residents once they are confirmed, and dates are subject to change.

Victoria Street West reduced to one lane in either direction, on the approach to and through the intersection with Albert Street (mid January to end February)
Kingston Street closure to vehicles (approximately February, for around six weeks)
Albert Street slip lane between Wyndham Street and Victoria Street West (closed in sections during January to March).
Works within the service lane underneath Crowne Plaza Hotel will be undertaken in stages. Restricted vehicle access at times (works during February and March)
Albert Street remains open, though works will continue along the western side between Wyndham and Victoria Street West

All traffic changes will be clearly marked.

March 2020 - Aotea Station construction begins

From 1 March 2020, the intersection of Albert Street, Wellesley Street West and Mayoral Drive will be closed to vehicles until early 2021. The closure enables station construction to begin. First the walls are constructed within the ground, followed by the roof. This enables the intersection to partially reopen while the station interior is excavated.

We are working closely with Auckland Transport to enable people to plan their journeys as they travel to and through the area. Further information will be provided in the new year.

Indication of traffic flow while Wellesley / Albert / Mayoral intersection is closed.

New bus lanes proposed

Given the road closures that will be in place during construction, it is necessary to make some changes to how buses arrive and leave the city centre.

Auckland Transport is proposing new bus lanes on additional roads to ensure buses are given priority and can avoid the Wellesley Street intersection when it is closed. Like others that already exist in the city centre, the proposed bus lanes on Queen Street, Victoria Street and Mayoral Drive will operate 24/7. As part of the of the proposed changes, some paid on-street car parking spaces would be removed to make way for 24/7 bus lanes, however most of these car parks are currently located in peak hour clearways.

Consultation on these changes is open until 5pm Tuesday 10 December.

Heritage snapshot: Restoration of the Albert Street bluestone wall

The City Rail Link project provides an opportunity to preserve and restore Auckland’s historic bluestone wall, along the eastern side of Albert Street intersecting with Durham Street West. It's the oldest piece of road construction in the central city that was made from local material and was completed in 1880 following the widening of Durham Street West. The wall will be carefully deconstructed stone by stone and then reconstructed in exactly the same sequence but moved one metre to the east of where it is today. Close monitoring is carried out during construction to ensure there are no adverse effects on the wall.

Upcoming events and support for local businesses

Stop by and say hello at our weekly drop-in every Tuesday evening from 5pm-6pm at our Aotea office (Level 10, 44 Wellesley Street). Our team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

We also run a regular forum for local businesses. The next forum will be held from 3.30-5.00pm on Wednesday 11 December, on level 5 of the Quay West building. This forum's focus will be on safety and an update on the hardship assistance scheme will be provided. Please email aotea@linkalliance.co.nz if you would like to attend.

Have any questions or need further information?

The team at Aotea Station are here to support our neighbours and other people who may be impacted by the construction activity.

Please feel free to either email us at aotea@linkalliance.co.nz or phone us on 0800 CRL TALK (0800 275 825) and select option 3 to chat about how we can help.

If you would like to be added to the distribution list for this newsletter, please use the online sign-up form here.

If you would like more information about CRL works on Lower Albert Street (Contract 2, delivered by Connectus), please visit this page here.

Ngā mihi, best wishes for those heading away on summer holidays. We will be in touch again in the new year.

Our email address is:
aotea@linkalliance.co.nz

Our phone number is:
0800 CRL TALK (275 8255) then press 3

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Aotea newsletter December 2019