Working up Summer Sweat at Mt Eden

Work is accelerating at Mt Eden over the summer with the Link Alliance using weekends, public holidays and nights to advance critical construction at the busy site.

One of the biggest programmes of work will involve the Link Alliance and KiwiRail switching the existing single track on the Western or North Auckland Line that runs through the Mt Eden site on to a new track.

City Rail Link’s (CRL) residential and business neighbours at Mt Eden are being kept informed to help minimise disruption. People wanting more information can contact 0800 CRL TALK (Option 5 for Mt Eden) or mteden@linkalliance.co.nz.

“Ramping up work over the summer allows us to get a huge amount of work done and regain the construction momentum after Covid-19 disruptions,” said Francois Dudouit, Project Director for the Link Alliance.

CRL’s work will coincide with what KiwiRail calls a block of line - a shutdown of the Western Line and other sections of the Auckland metro network between 26 December and 23 January to further develop a world-class rail service for Aucklanders. 

“Stopping trains helps ensure the safety of our work crews where construction requires removal of track, or where work takes place immediately adjacent to the track,” Francois said.

“We expect there may be some noise, dust and/or vibration from construction and are mindful that our work areas are surrounded by many homes,” he added.  “Our experts will continue to closely monitor environmental impacts and install mitigation measures where required.  

“Where possible, noise mats will be used around work sites and equipment, and water misters and cannons will be used to dampen the material and reduce dust. Lights used during any night works will be angled down directly onto the work site to avoid light spill to surrounding properties.”

 Mt Eden is where CRL connects with the Western/North Auckland Line. In addition to the block of line activity, some civil construction activity will continue at the site, as well as 24/7 tunnelling activity although this will be at a reduced capacity. 

“We value and appreciate the support we have from our neighbours. Taking advantage now of the summer to get more work done will, importantly, keep the programme on track for us to complete construction on time for the people living and working around us,” Francois said.