ABSTRACT
The City Rail Link is New Zealand’s first underground passenger railway and largest transportation project undertaken in New Zealand to date. The $3.4b project comprises 3.4km of twin tunnels and two new underground stations. Commercial property subsurface land acquisition can be complex and inefficient, and a major program risk. A portfolio of 120 sites were assessed for future development loads with screening tools based on international best practice. Each site assessment included a geotechnical profile, potential foundation schemes, a load check and cost advice where modified foundations will be necessary above the tunnels. Investment in early landowner engagement and focused communication processes minimised the fear of the unknown for landowners, enhanced project relationships and improved City Rail Link Ltd’s (CRLL) reputation.
