Auckland\u2019s City Rail Link (CRL) has officially opened, marking the launch of New Zealand\u2019s first underground railway.<\/p>\n
The project reportedly cost NZ$5.493bn (\u00a32.36bn). It connects Auckland\u2019s rail network through two 3.45km twin tunnels, alongside major upgrades to two existing underground stations and two completely new underground stations.<\/p>\n
The City Rail Link stretches from Waitemat\u0101 Station in downtown Auckland to Maungawhau Station in Mount Eden.<\/p>\n
UK engineering and development consultancy\u00a0Mott MacDonald has worked on the project since 2012, providing technical leadership through concept and reference design, consenting, procurement and delivery. As principal technical advisor, the firm coordinated a multidisciplinary team of specialists covering rail systems, stations, civil, structural, utilities and safety disciplines.<\/p>\n
Mott MacDonald technical director for major projects Peter Taylor said: \u201cCity Rail Link is a once-in-a-generation investment that changes how Auckland moves, grows and connects.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opening marks the culmination of more than a decade of involvement in one of New Zealand\u2019s most ambitious infrastructure projects.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mott MacDonald said it drew on experience from major rail and underground systems \u2013 including London\u2019s Elizabeth Line and Australia\u2019s Sydney Metro and Melbourne Metro Tunnel \u2013 to deliver the project.<\/p>\n
It also assisted Auckland Transport and KiwiRail with asset readiness and handover, facilitating the transfer of asset ownership from Link Alliance and City Rail Link Limited to the organisations responsible for operation.<\/p>\n
Taylor added: \u201cWe are proud to have supported the project from its earliest stages through to opening day, bringing specialist underground rail expertise to New Zealand and supporting the delivery of a rail system that will benefit Aucklanders for generations.\u201d<\/p>\n