Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do we need this project?
- How much would it cost?
- How long would it take to build?
- What are the benefits of a tunnel?
- How would a tunnel be built?
- How safe would it be to build?
- How would it affect me if I live above it?
- How will Transit deal with me if I own property that’s needed for the portals or the interchanges?
- How safe will the tunnel be to use?
- How will you manage the air that comes out of the tunnel?
- Will the tunnel be tolled?
- How does the project fit with other travel options>?
- Where does the tunnel come back to the surface?
- How will the project connect at each end?
- How do I have a say about the tunnel proposal?
- When will a decision be made and by whom?
1. Why do we need this project?
The Waterview Connection completes the Western Ring Route, an alternative north-south motorway route that does not rely on the southern motorway or the Auckland Harbour Bridge. It’ll take through traffic off local roads and out of the central business district. Reduced congestion will boost the economy, improve access to employment areas and create jobs.
2. How much would it cost?
The cost of any major infrastructure project in central Auckland is significant and this is no different. The preferred tunnel option would cost $1.89 billion to build in 2015.
3. How long would it take to build?
Transit is looking at the Waterview Connection being ready in 2015 if construction starts in late 2009/2010.
4. What are the benefits of a tunnel?
A tunnel would cost no more than other options investigated but would significantly reduce the need to buy homes and dig up parks and reserves. Unlike many other projects associated with the Western Ring Route, land has not been set aside for this piece of motorway. About 500 properties would be affected by a surface option for Waterview compared with fewer than 50 for the adjoining Mt Roskill project.
5. How would a tunnel be built?
It would be built with a tunnel boring machine (TBM). The ground would be excavated at each end of the project to create a space large enough for the TBM to be assembled at one end, and disassembled when it reached the other end. The TBM installs a pre-cast concrete tunnel lining as it goes and the excavated earth is removed on a conveyor belt before being trucked away.
6. How safe would it be to build?
Tunnels are becoming more and more common overseas and tunnelling technology is getting more sophisticated. This international experience would be used to build the Waterview Connection project. Transit believes the construction method is extremely safe. The technology means that the tunnel is not left unsupported as a pre cast concrete tunnel lining is installed as the tunnel is created. Click here
to look at the Brisbane North South bypass Tunnel.
7. How would it affect me if I live above it?
While the tunnel was being built there would be some vibration as the TBM passed beneath each property, for about 2 – 3 days. That vibration would vary depending on how deep the TBM is below any particular property and the type of ground it’s boring through but is likely to be similar to having a rattling fridge nearby. Once the tunnel is built it will silent and invisible. You will not know it is there and you will not hear any traffic. There might be some ground settlement as the result of the soil being disturbed.
8. How will Transit deal with me if I own property that’s needed for the portals or the interchanges?
Transit will negotiate with you on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis to purchase your property at market value. We will pay for your valuer as well as any legal fees involved in the transaction. We will also contribute to your removal costs.
Transit purchases land through an independent agent to ensure transparency and fairness. Compensation for directly affected landowners and occupiers will be provided under the Public Works Act. Further detail of this process is available in the publication "Landowner's Rights - when the Crown requires your land for a Public Work" available from Land Information New Zealand
9. How safe will the tunnel be to use?
There will be an operations centre to oversee what’s happening in the tunnels at all times via closed circuit cameras. There would also be traffic advisory notices for motorists on electronic signs. Each tunnel would have significant safety features. These include lighting and a ventilation system to maintain steady airflow and air quality. There would be deluge sprinklers in case of a fire as well as fans to suck out any fumes or smoke. The tunnels would have emergency pedestrian exits from one to the other.
10. How will you manage the air that comes out of the tunnel?
Traffic flow will keep the air in the tunnel moving and the air will be pushed through the tunnel at the portals by vehicle movement. Traffic will not be allowed to back up in the tunnel. To ensure air quality is maintained there will also be vents at each end to channel the tunnel air high into the atmosphere. All relevant national air quality standards will be met. The local air quality will be better than if the same vehicles travelled on a surface road.
11. Will the tunnel be tolled?
The government has established a steering group to look at funding for this project so tolling as a funding method has not been determined. However, it will be important to keep traffic flowing in the tunnel and ensure it is not congested. At times, especially during peak periods, this may require travel demand measurements such as ramp signalling and potentially tolling.
12. How does the project fit with other travel options?
Taking business freight and other through traffic off local roads will free them up for improved public transport.
The existing northwestern cycleway connection will remain at the southern end, the Mt Roskill cycleway (under construction) will be extended to connect with Richardson Road.
Extending Maioro St to connect to Stoddard Rd will provide a new pedestrian (and vehicle)connection between New Windsor and Mt Roskill / Wesley areas of Auckland.The project also creates opportunities to provide an Oakley Creek walkway and has been designed to allow for the future expansion of the Avondale Southdown rail line and its electrification.
13. Where does the tunnel come back to the surface?
The tunnel will come to the surface at portals, one at Hendon Park near Maioro Street and one at Waterview Park near Great North Road.
14. How will the project connect at each end?
At the southern end at Maioro Street the tunnels will join the Mt Roskill Extension of SH20 currently being built and there will be on and off ramps so traffic can enter from or exit to Richardson or Stoddard Roads.
At the northern end traffic can enter or exit the tunnels to and from the northwestern motorway (SH16) in both directions.
15. How do I have a say about the tunnel proposal?
Transit will begin a community engagement process on February 18th. There will be a comment form on this website that you can fill in online. Alternatively there will be a comment form in the project brochure that you will be able to download. Other contact details are on this website. You will be able to email Transit, write, phone or fax us or come to an open or information day and make comment.
16. When will a decision be made and by whom?
Responses gathered over the next couple of months will be collated and reported back to the Transit New Zealand Board for it to consider prior to determining the way forward.
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