Underground and over-ground – connecting SH20 to SH16 with the Waterview Connection.

The Waterview Connection is the New Zealand Transport Agency’s most ambitious roading project and the final motorway connection required to complete Auckland’s Western Ring Route. It comprises twin 2.5km motorway tunnels plus associated connecting roading infrastructure and, at Great North Road in Waterview, a large interchange of ramps. The site is in urban Auckland and the project had the potential to have a profound impact on the local residents and wider communities in the area.

As a result of the severance caused by the above-ground works associated with the project, the Board of Enquiry determined that the large open space areas within the motorway alignment were to be revitalised and new public amenities delivered.

In conjunction with the public space impacts, the infrastructure itself had to deliver a world-class design outcome due to the prominence of the project in the local environment. The public had an enormous effect on the design outcomes through the extensive consultation and design workshops that were held in order to give the community a voice in the profound changes, long-term upheaval, and eventual amenities occurring in their neighbourhoods.

Boffa Miskell led the delivery of landscape architecture, urban design and architectural outcomes (with Warren and Mahoney). This included design input to all motorway structures and buildings; rehabilitation of open spaces including creek rehabilitation and re-alignment works, ecological restoration work and planting; construction of pedestrian and road bridges, sports facilities, two skate parks, a large playground, and a BMX track; installation of public art, signage and way-finding systems; and recognition of heritage and cultural areas.

Location

Auckland

Worked with

Beca Infrastructure
Fletcher Construction
McConnell Dowell Constructors
Obayashi Corporation
Parsons Brinkerhoff
Tonkin & Taylor
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Warren and Mahoney (sub-consultants to Boffa Miskell for Architectural work)
Well-Connected Alliance

Project date

2017

Awards

Tripartite Award | Los Angeles Business Council Architectural Awards
Gold Award | Architectural and Urban | Good Design Australia
Category Winner | Infrastructure | NZILA Resene Pride of Place Landscape Architecture Awards
Gold Pin and Supreme Purple Pin | Built Environment | Best of Awards - Designers Institute of New Zealand (DINZ)
Connecting With Our Community | GEM Awards

Boffa Miskell were charged with all aspects of the Urban Design and Landscape design works. This included:

  • Re-interpreting the Specimen Design that went through the Board of Inquiry process to meet the Conditions of Consent,
  • Preparation of the Urban Design and Landscape Framework document which included works within the motorway corridor, the affected adjacent active and passive open space areas, walking and cycling connections, all associated structures (ventilation buildings and stacks, bridges and noise walls)
  • Development of full construction documentation to deliver the works.

The project involved extensive stakeholder liaison with local community representatives and public interest and volunteer groups. Community design workshops were held on all key aspects including the form, layout and appearance of all structures and new public facilities, and the arrangement of the new parks, stream rehabilitation works, planting and artworks. Open days, drop-in sessions and volunteer planting days kept the community informed and involved in the project.

The design utilised a palette of materials inspired by the patterns, colours and forms found in the local volcanic geology to recognise and augment the natural heritage around the suburbs of Mt Roskill, New Windsor and Waterview. Aspects of the motorway corridor, such as planting, noise walls, and structures, were designed to relate clearly with the surrounding landscape.

A network of over 10 km of shared paths and footpaths now connects rejuvenated parks and reserves. The Waterview Shared Path, which traces above the underground route of the tunnels, is the final pedestrian and cyclist link between SH20 and SH16 and further enhances the off-road network with side spurs to local roads and neighbourhoods along with artworks, interpretive signage and landscape finishing.

Te Auaunga (Oakley Creek) was required to be relocated as it sat directly over the motorway alignment. The stream had been channelised and rock lined as a drain in the 1930s and this was an opportunity to deliver a restored waterway in a new alignment but naturalised. The multi-award-winning realignment and restoration of Te Auaunga is arguably the most accomplished bioengineering stream project in New Zealand, delivering diverse naturalised stream typologies across 2km of restored channel and daylit streams. The restitution of the original stream-wetland system is an exemplar of blue-green planning and provided an opportunity to attenuate flooding while also treating urban stormwater.

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