Auckland is New Zealand’s fastest growing and most populous city, projected to account for more than half of the country’s population growth by 2043. Critical to connecting the city and improving the lives of Aucklanders now and into the future, is the NZD $2.4 billion Western Ring Route (WRR) – the largest and most complex road infrastructure project ever undertaken in the country.

Since the opening of the 2.4 km underground Waterview Connection Tunnel in July 2017, the WRR’s 48 km network provides an alternative route around the city, allowing traffic to bypass the city’s central business district and State Highway (SH) 1. The WRR also establishes a new, direct link between the Auckland central business district (CBD) and Auckland Airport, and connects the city with Manukau in the South, West Auckland and the North Shore.

In addition, the project offers increased capacity on existing motorway routes; substantial dedicated bus shoulder lanes; together with shared cycleways and pedestrian facilities to further facilitate alternative transport options to and from the city.

Today, the WRR and the Waterview Connection Tunnel offer Aucklanders shorter travel times and reliability, reduces congestion and improves the network’s resilience and safety. The project has unleashed the economic potential of New Zealand’s largest city and ensures the country is well positioned for future growth.

Projects of this size and complexity don’t just happen. It took over a decade of planning, trust and collaboration between Aurecon and its client, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, to deliver New Zealand’s largest ever road infrastructure project. Despite its complexity and a multitude of challenges never-before-seen in the country, Aurecon provided a full service, successfully working with Waka Kotahi to deliver on the project objectives.

Earning client trust

Aurecon and Waka Kotahi journey began in 2005 when the company was commissioned to conduct the planning phases of the road design and widening works for the SH16 Waterview to Royal Road improvement project.

In 2009, the relationship was extended to deliver the SH16 elements of the consenting design as part of the overall Waterview Connection, and the 2.4 km underground Waterview Tunnel. Drawing on international value engineering expertise in delivering similar projects, Aurecon identified over NZD $200 million of cost savings by reducing the tunnel diameter and augmenting the fire and life strategy to be fit for purpose.

"I was very impressed by the way the solutions were derived by the Aurecon team and articulated at our decision-making bodies for endorsement."
– Sumi Eratne, Project Director, Waka Kotahi

Building momentum and trust with Waka Kotahi to find and solve project challenges, Aurecon was honoured to be appointed as the Principal Advisor for the remainder of the project in 2010 – overseeing owner verifier responsibilities of the Waterview Connection, along with the overall project management of the rest of the WRR suite of projects, which widened and improved the remainder of SH16 motorway between St Lukes Interchange through to Westgate.

"Aurecon has provided excellent service and performance on the Western Ring Route. The team challenged scope, standards and assumptions, finding more appropriate solutions to the project, which have resulted in some significant value engineering initiatives and providing a more affordable scheme. I was very impressed by the way the solutions were derived by the Aurecon team and articulated at our decision-making bodies for endorsement," said Sumi Eratne, Project Director, Waka Kotahi.

As Waka Kotahi’s Principal Advisor, Aurecon assured Waka Kotahi of the necessity and technical quality of the work completed, as well as the management of the interfaces between the various projects, identifying and implementing various minor enabling projects. Aurecon also advised on procurement management, developing the concept of operations, and assisting with the operational integration of the new network.

It was a mammoth task, given the size and complexity of the project. Aurecon worked with the client every step of the way to manage risk, develop innovative solutions and, despite all odds, delivered the project to specification and on time.

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