A McConnell Dowell and Built Environs joint venture has been selected to deliver a new $56.7 million rail and bus interchange.
The joint venture was awarded the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract to build the Puhinui Station Interchange, a key component of the Southwest Gateway program.
It aims to enhance transport connectivity between Auckland Airport and the CBD and allow for a wider number of bus and rail connections to support a more sustainable transport model.
The ECI contract means McConnell Dowell and Built Environs will become integral to the design phase, before construction begins later in 2019.
Works will involve demolishing the existing station footbridge and the construction of a bus area, parking, cycle shelter, landscaping, an elevated concourse with stairs, lifts and escalators, and staff and retail facilities.
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Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said the project will allow for congestion-free travel to the airport and its employment precinct for people across Auckland.
“The impressive new station will mark out the south-western gateway to the city,” Goff said.
“It provides a modern, safe and weather protected environment to allow people easily and conveniently to transition between road and rail services.
“The project will be completed within 18 months of construction and is planned to be open before the APEC leaders meeting in 2021,” Goff says.
Auckland Transport Chief Executive Shane Ellison says construction will start later this year.
“It’s fantastic to have McConnell Dowell – Built Environs involved early so we can focus on delivering the upgraded Puhinui Station Interchange,” Ellison said.
“By early 2021 we’ll have a modern, new interchange at Puhinui, with direct and frequent connections to the airport with buses running every 10 minutes along priority lanes.”
McConnell Dowell Managing Director for New Zealand and Pacific Fraser Wyllie welcomed the announcement.
“Together, McConnell Dowell and Built Environs have a strong track record of delivering rail projects such as the Western Program Alliance, Gold Coast Light Rail, City Rail Link Contract 2 and the North Melbourne Station Upgrade,” Wylie said.
“We are excited and look forward to working closely with Auckland Transport to deliver a safe, innovative and sustainable transport network for the region.”