Intersections Reopen & Close
Late June marked the start of a new construction phase for the Aotea Station team - the intersection closure traffic switch which brings CRL one step closer to completing what will become the country’s busiest station.
On 27 June, the Wellesley Street West / Albert Street intersection re-opened to traffic. Two days later, during the evening of 29 June, the Victoria Street / Albert Street intersection closed to through traffic. This closure will be in place for approximately two years.
Both intersections will remain open for business and to pedestrians, but the necessary changes will impact on people using public transport, drivers and riders.
The Crowne Plaza service lane below Albert Street will stay open from Victoria Street, allowing essential vehicles to access businesses in the area.
CRL Chief Executive, Dr Sean Sweeney, says that while the intersection switch is necessary to build the station, the CRL is committed to keeping central Auckland moving.
“Shops, cafes, restaurants, other businesses and offices in the area will stay open throughout construction and will always be accessible by foot.”
The Link Alliance, CRL Ltd’s main contractor, has a comprehensive development response programme planned to support the project’s neighbours through the closure period. It includes a business support programme and a range of activations and events in the area. The area will be kept tidy and well lit, and there will be wayfinding to help people safely find their way.
“When we finish building our world-class rail system for Auckland, the benefits will be huge - CRL will double the number of people living within a 30-minute commute of the central city, New Zealand’s largest employment hub,” Dr Sweeney says.
The intersection traffic switch will also affect busses - Auckland Transport (AT) has made changes to 35 bus routes that travel into the city centre. Services that once used Victoria Street will be re-routed.
Auckland Transport’s website, has details to help people plan their journey, no matter how they travel. People should be mindful that using public transport, walking or cycling may be a more convenient travel option than using a car to get to the midtown area.
For more information on CRL visit CityRailLink.co.nz or contact the Link Alliance Aotea Station team by calling 0800 CRL TALK (275 8255), option 3 or by emailing Aotea@linkalliance.co.nz.
Public transport information is available at AT.govt.nz/betterway.