A direct, lower-risk alternative for cyclists and pedestrians.
New Lynn to Avondale Shared Use Path
Client: Auckland Transport
- 10 types of 'wheels' travelled the shared path on Opening day
- 4 rail crossings
- 1 Bow Waka feature on the Whau River Bridge
- 17,532 hours of timelapse video
Project Background
Winding along the streets of central West Auckland, Auckland Transports New Lynn to Avondale (NL2A) Shared Path provides a new route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Project Overview
Officially opened to the public on June 4th 2022, the 2.9km cycleway and footpath creates a continuous corridor connecting New Lynn and Avondale centres. Segregated from traffic, the Shared Path provides a more direct, lower-risk alternative for cyclists and pedestrians than the existing road network.
Tying into the existing Waterview Shared Path, the Northwestern cycleway, and other city centre networks, NL2A promotes walking and cycling with a direct link to additional transportation modes within the community.
The 30-million-dollar project comprises three fundamental structures. A four-span 75m concrete bridge spans the Whau river, a 25m steel bridge crosses St Jude Street, and a 30m-long Underpass links Chalmers Reserve with St Georges Road.
Two elevated boardwalks feature along the route - one between Arran Street and Whau River and one from Blockhouse Bay Road down and into Avondale Station. Nicknamed the Sky Path, the boardwalk into the station is 6m wide and 217m long. The FRP grating panels used to construct the boardwalk are made from 100% recycled plastic. Almost silent compared to traditional metal plates, the recycled-plastic checker plates emphasise the benefits of thinking outside the box.
A 25m single-span steel bridge was installed at the St Jude Street rail crossing. Sandwiched between an apartment block and residential housing, the smooth installation involved lifting the 18T bridge over the railway and main road.
Collaboration really does work if you approach each situation with an honest, best for project approach.
Dale Pickard
Dempsey Wood Project Manager
Commencing in November 2019, the complex project has involved a tremendous amount of planning from a dedicated and collaborative team.
Alongside Auckland Transport, DW led the development of a Project Partnership Charter Agreement, which included critical stakeholders of KiwiRail, Kāinga Ora, Design Engineers and local boards. In addition, several workshops were held, resulting in a defined framework, 'Purpose, Outcomes and Principles of a successful project'.
The 'One Team' approach saw the project overcome various obstacles such as design challenges and the ever-present COVID.
Stakeholder engagement was a critical success factor with the project extending through various residential and commercial areas and with disruptive works such as night works and the Christmas Block of Lines.
With face–to–face interactions limited, DW Stakeholder Manager, Tania Reynolds, focused on providing informative construction email updates.
Sharing images from the previous month demonstrated the construction progress that was often not visible from the roadways.
We worked really closely with the families to relocate them somewhere where they felt safe.
Tania Reynolds
DW Stakeholder Manager
The most significant component of the project was the 30m-long, 4m wide, 3m high Chalmers Reserve Rail Underpass.
While the unique shape increases usable space within the passage, it wasn't the most efficient for transferring loads and required additional engineering.
To construct the Underpass, a 'Block of Line' was scheduled for over December 2020 / January 2021. With stringent timeframes to adhere to and a vast amount of work to be done, there was immense pressure to ensure all aspects were in place for the 16-day rail line closure.
On Boxing Day, the 24/7 operation began as the existing rail lines were lifted from 1am. By midday, the heavy equipment was well underway, digging out the trench for the Underpass. Three days later, the trench was dug, retained and prepped, ready for the cranes to roll in.
Two cranes - a 170-ton and a 450-ton - worked together to lift the segments and align them between the railway lines. Twenty-five sections, each weighing 38 tonnes, form the Underpass.
The team worked incredibly hard, day and night, successfully installing the Underpass and reinstating the rail line in time for services to return. Excavations and construction occurred 24/7 from Boxing Day through to early January. Working with Tania, eight families whose homes are directly adjacent to the work site were temporarily rehomed for the Christmas Break.
After a demanding two years for all involved, the dawn blessing on June 1st 2022, was attended by 40 Mana Whenua, local Residents, Whau Local Board, Members and representatives from Dempsey Wood, Auckland Transport and subcontractor, Saint Electrical.
A "one team" approach, proactive Stakeholder Management, and a motivated project team have been critical factors in the successful completion of this project.
Amidst the various challenges, providing an exciting asset to the community has been an enormous achievement for the team.
We are proud to have partnered with Auckland Transport, helping to build the infrastructure to support a sustainable Tāmaki Makaurau.
