Ask Phoebe: Work on rail link starting within year

Cut-and-cover tunnels will be built from Britomart. Photo / NZME.

It seems a while since we read anything about the proposed underground rail link between Britomart and Mt Eden. What is the latest on that? David Stewart, Balmoral.

It was covered pretty extensively in this newspaper in April when the announcement was made of the awarding of the design contracts but, if you missed it, here is a synopsis.

The first stages of the $2.5 billion underground line will start construction within a year. Contracts worth $3 million have gone to two joint ventures which will also be the preferred contenders for the first construction stages, from Britomart to Wyndham St, via Customs and Albert Sts, expected to cost $250 million.

These stages will involve digging a pair of cut-and-cover tunnels from Britomart as part of the 3.5km route.

Can you imagine the disruption this is going to cause?

A consortium led by Downer NZ, assisted by French piling specialists Soletanche Bachy, has been appointed to build the tunnels across Lower Queen St to the Downtown Shopping Centre. A second consortium of McConnell Dowell and Hawkins will dig trenches from there to Wyndham St. Preparatory work in Albert St is expected to begin in October.

The Downtown centre will be demolished by the landlord Precinct Properties, to make way for a 35-level $550 million development with underground railway tunnels for the City Rail Link beneath.

A couple of years ago the Auckland Council spent considerable time and effort laying a tram track around Wynyard Quarter. Some time ago the Gaunt St/Halsey St block was closed off for about the next year for a "make-over". I notice that the recently laid tram track is now being cut into small lengths of scrap iron and taken away. Do you know what the fate is of the tram loop? Terry Sawyer, Auckland

According to the website aucklandtram.co.nz the tramway will not be operating now until late 2016 because of the final stage of road redevelopment in Wynyard Quarter. They hope to be back late November next year.

Can you please advise how often bus shelters are cleaned? The shelter opposite the big Silverdale shopping centre is filthy and needs attention. Vivien Dryden, North Shore.

When a bus shelter needs cleaning, phone Auckland Transport (if it is one of its shelters) on (09) 355 3553 and staff will attend to it.

If the bus shelter belongs to Adshel (it has advertisements in and on it) phone it on 0800 237 435.

Tell us
Do you have a question for Phoebe? It can be about transport or any Auckland issue. Email askphoebe@nzherald.co.nz