Albert Street enhancements underway
The aboveground enhancement works on Albert Street between Wyndham and Customs Streets continue in earnest, now that 350m of underground CRL train tunnels have been built.
In order to minimise the impact of construction for communities and businesses and speed up works, CRL Ltd and its contractor Connectus are rebuilding Albert Street block by block.
The first block we’re working on is between Wyndham Street West and Swanson Street (with Shakespeare Hotel on the corner). Now that the old footpath has been cleared, we’re connecting new utilities to homes and businesses and completing the new kerb and channel. Six tree pits which will house mature native trees have already been constructed, and this block has had its first concrete pour in advance of the new basalt pavers being placed.
Footpaths are made up of a concrete layer on top of which basalt pavers are laid. The concrete layer will be open to pedestrians while basalt pavers are installed in a staged manner. We are expecting all concrete pours for the Wyndham West to Swanson Street block to be completed by October, and the finished, basalt paved footpaths (along with street furniture and trees) to be completed before Christmas this year.
The works in the roadway continue. We are removing bracing struts and the traffic deck, backfilling the trench, as well as upgrading and relocating underground utilities. Please keep an eye out on our construction updates page here for traffic switches as these works progress.
You may see a concrete breaker, which uses a jackhammer to break concrete, to demolish capping beams at work between Swanson and Wolfe Streets. Wherever possible, our contractor Connectus is putting a sock on the breaker to reduce noise impact. Connectus is also using a wire saw around services for safety reasons.
Noise mitigation will be in place when applicable, and noise will be reduced during lunch trading hours from 12.30pm until 1.30pm.
Businesses remain open during works. CRL has put together a business directory for CRL workers, which you can check out here https://www.cityraillink.co.nz/trader-directory - show Albert Street some love and check out its great eateries!
When street enhancement works are complete, Albert Street will have wider paved footpaths, bus lanes and bus bays, native trees, new street furniture and resurfaced roads. Underground utilities including stormwater, sewage pipes, power and internet will also be replaced and future-proofed.