Auckland’s landmark City Rail Link project is making good progress in its early stages, with two construction consortiums beginning the first phase in the city's downtown. But costs could soar, ministers have warned. The original price estimate of NZ$1.8 billion, or US$1.2 billion, looks set to escalate to between NZ$2.8 billion ($1.9 billion) and NZ$3.4 billion ($2.2 billion), according to Finance Minister Steven Joyce and Transport Minister Simon Bridges. The news follows completion of more detailed design work.
Meanwhile, progress continues on sinking the shafts for associated early works, which include the construction of a new stormwater pipe under Albert Street in the city’s central business district, replacing an existing structure in advance of the main tunneling works. The thrust and reception shafts for the pipejacking operation are now well advanced. Soldier piles, timber lagging and precast units are being installed, according to Andrew Willis, Harker Underground’s pipejack manager for Auckland City Rail Link (CRL), Enabling Works Contract 2, which is part of the Connectus joint venture. Last month, he was preparing for delivery of the Akkerman machines, ready to drive the 2.2-meter-dia horizontal works for the stormwater diversion.