Ngā pātai auau - frequently asked questions
Why is the new bridge going on the northern side of the existing Waihoehoe Road bridge?
During the designation process, Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth Alliance looked at three different options: widening on the north, south or both sides of Waihoehoe Road.
Community input was sought and technical assessments were undertaken to finalise the designation on the northern side of Waihoehoe Road.
Building the new bridge north of the existing one has less impact on utilities and better supports rail development and future land use. There is more space to make the bridge taller and wider to meet absolute minimum clearance between the top of the tracks and underside of the bridge, and for future four-tracking.
Moving the new bridge to the south would have a huge impact on the land designated for the new Drury Railway Station, which is already under construction. The closer the bridge is to the station, the greater vertical clearance required which would lead to a significant cost increase to level Great South Road on the western side of the rail line.
Further benefits of building the new bridge to the north is that it ties in better with the existing roads on either side, both vertically and horizontally (Great South Road, Norrie Road, and Waihoehoe Road). It allows the new signalised intersection to meet geometric design standards for road approach grades, vertical curves, and minimum sight distances to ensure safety for all road users.
Finally, building on the northern side also means less impact on traffic because it will allow the existing Waihoehoe Bridge to remain open during construction.
For more information on this, you can have a look at the Assessment of Alternatives submitted as part of the Auckland Transport Designation 1840 Jesmond to Waihoehoe West FTN Upgrade (refer to pages 118 – 140 of the document):
Auckland Transport Designation 1840 Jesmond to Waihoehoe West FTN Upgrade(external link)
Why is this project going ahead now?
The purpose of progressing the project now is to get ahead of future demand generated by the new housing and rail stations.
What stage is the project currently at?
Pre-implementation work is underway. This stage covers obtaining resource consents, site investigations and developing designs further for a project. It also includes discussion with some property owners regarding potential land requirements. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and mana whenua are working in partnership to deliver projects in an integrated way.
What works are going on currently?
We are beginning to set up the site in preparation for construction of the Waihoehoe Road Upgrade. These enabling works will provide a safe work area for the construction team to work near the rail tracks while minimising impacts to the rail network.
Construction hoarding walls will be installed along both sides of the rail tracks near Tui Street for a distance of 70m. The hoardings are being installed early because they can only be built during periods when trains aren’t running. Construction noise will be reduced where possible, and particularly noisy work will be avoided at night and minimised during Sundays and public holidays. Affected properties will be notified when noisy work is planned outside normal working hours.
Waihoehoe Road Upgrade project enabling works [PDF, 435 KB]
What will happen to the directly affected properties?
Property owners have been informed of the designation and that this project has been brought forward to support the development of additional housing and new rail stations. Discussions with property owners are confidential and property owners’ rights will continue to be protected by the Public Works Act.
Can I carry out an activity or works within the Auckland Transport designation?
Any works (such as undertaking any use of the land, building a structure, subdividing or changing the use of the land) proposed on land subject to a Designation or Notice of Requirement from Auckland Transport (AT), which will prevent or hinder the public work (including increasing the cost or complexity of that work) must have written consent from AT before the works can begin. See Consent for works in an AT Designation or Notice of Requirement for more information and how to apply for written consent.
Consent for works in an AT Designation or Notice of Requirement(external link)
