Surveys start for properties above Auckland rail link

An artist's impression of the Auckland City Rail Link.

Surveyors are plotting ground levels above Auckland's proposed new multi-billion dollar rail underground tunnel.

The Herald has received copies of letters being sent to people whose properties could be affected by the City Rail Link (CRL), seeking access so an initial phase of work can begin.

Rick Galli, CRL land acquisition manager, is sending out notifications of entry to land for surveying purposes so surveys of ground levels can be carried out.

"Auckland Transport requires access to the property you occupy to enable surveyors to measure ground levels necessary to prepare survey plans for below-surface parcels of land," Galli wrote.

"Auckland Transport is beginning the survey process that is required prior to initiating purchase of a subterranean parcel of land required for the CRL. Your property has been identified as one below which the CRL tunnels will pass."

Entry is proposed either this month and next and people are being given dates.

People do not need to leave their properties, either during the survey work or during the future CRL construction.

CKL Surveys has been contracted to do the work and property owners are being told staff will be carrying identification.

An Auckland Transport spokeswoman said about 200 letters had been sent out.

"In New Zealand, you own land to the centre of the earth so if you're putting a tunnel under someone's property you have to buy that, doesn't matter how far below ground it is. It's an early first step because we're not purchasing subterranean land at this stage."

City Rail Link
*3.4km in two tunnels up to 42m below CBD.
*Linking Britomart to the existing rail line near Eden Terrace.
*New stations are Aotea, Karangahape Rd, Newton.
*Construction forecast to commence 2015/16.
*ossible opening 2020/21.
[Source: Auckland Transport]