Albert Street progress hits the ground running

Connectus, City Rail Link’s contractor for works along the lower part of Albert Street, has hit the ground running in 2020 while also taking time to re-focus on health and safety.

This re-focus included presentations from multiple speakers. A total of 93 people were re-inducted to site, eight of which were new starters, 13 women, 80 men, and about 16 different nationalities.

The McConnell Dowell and Downer joint venture achieved multiple milestones last year with the completion of the tunnel boxes, removal of the temporary supports and the removal of building canopies between Wellesley and Victoria Streets in August.

 There was also the reopening of the new wider footpath on the west side of Albert St between Wyndham and Swanson, new street furniture will be installed in March and trees will be planted during the appropriate planting season.

Although it’s only been a short time since the team has been back in action, they have already completed the removal of the capping beams on the west side of Albert Street, as well as in the area between NZTC and Baa Baa Black Sheep. The capping beams were previously used to support the trench and the traffic and construction decks during the excavation process.

Connectus has started footpath preparation and paver installation in the second block from the ANZ Centre down to Wolfe Street - also, on the last block they are starting the removal of the old footpath from Wolfe to Customs Street.

Marianne Rogers, Connectus’ senior project manager says, “We are pleased with the progress the team made in late 2019. This has set us up for the final year of the works and we have hit the ground running in 2020. We look forward to progressively handing back blocks to the public and finishing the works as quickly as possible.”

Works are also continuing along the east side of Albert Street to relocate and upgrade services and utilities, complete the backfilling of the trench, and construct the tree pits in preparation for the streetscape enhancement works.

The team are looking forward to giving the new street back to the community to enjoy, with the works scheduled to be completed in December.

“We are grateful for the support and patience of the stakeholders and will continue to work with neighbours to find ways to minimise disruption while maintaining progress,” Rogers said.