Albert Street paving and beautification underway
Aucklanders using the lower end of Albert Street in the central city can now see the first stages of the people-friendly improvements being made as part of the City Rail Link project.
CRL contractors have started laying the first of several thousand basalt pavers for a wider footpath along the busy street. High quality pavers are being laid, which are similar to those on Queen, Fort and Elliott Streets.
The first section of new footpath is being built on the St Patricks Cathedral side of Wyndham Street West and along the western side of Albert Street as far as Swanson Street. Construction of the new pavement is planned for completion before Christmas 2019.
Businesses along this part of Albert Street, including Shakespeare Hotel, Ellice Road Social Lounge and Sumo Sushi remain open – check them out on our CRL Trader Directory here.
“We are now entering the final stage of work along lower Albert Street, giving people much better and much improved access to this part of the city,” says CRL Chief Executive, Dr Sean Sweeney.
“We acknowledge the impact the project has had on the community living and working in this part of the city. We are grateful for the support and patience people have given us over the past few years, and we will be leaving them with first class improvements to Albert Street that will benefit everyone.”
Besides wider footpaths, improvements also include more attractive open spaces for people to enjoy. This includes upgraded street furniture and new tree plantings, and a resurfaced roadway with a dedicated bus lane and bus bays.
The improvements sit on top of 350 metres of underground rail tunnels constructed below Albert Street. Just below the new footpath and road are the upgraded and relocated underground utilities including stormwater and sewage pipes, and power and communication links.
There is a busy programme of improvement work ahead between Wyndham Street and Customs Street that will be completed in late 2020.
More information about Albert Street works can be found on CRL’s website here.