Improving infrastructure for locals.
Takanini Park n Ride
Client: Auckland Transport
- 360 Parking Spaces
- 6,500m² Road & Pavement
- 18,000 Year Old Peat
- 45 New Trees
Project Background
The Takanini Park n Ride Improvement was a compressed 3.5-month project, working alongside Auckland Transport to improve the infrastructure for the local community.
The facility was completed on time with no accidents and within budget. Auckland Transport was very pleased with the quality of the product, and most importantly, the project was well-received by the locals.
Project Overview
Building a commercial car park on a peat base was a significant challenge as it is a soft soil requiring special handling to prevent the peat drying out and contracting, which would result in subsidence and possible cracking of the finished product. We stabilised and kept cover over the subgrade at all times to maintain optimum moisture levels within the peat as well as installing small "speed tables" which acted as controls for the water flow and extend the life of the finished product.
Overall, the project plan called for here was using smaller plant (reduces the impact on the subsoil) and attention to detail which helps to guarantee a very accurate finish. A solid site access roadway was maintained throughout the project to protect the weak sub-grade successfully, and this was controlled by the team from Dempsey Wood Traffic.
While working in the area, the team made sure to accurately identify and document the pre-existing services so that any future construction could start on the front foot.
The finished product Dempsey Wood achieved was outstanding. We were committed to finishing this project on schedule. We can only hope that our care and attention goes towards making the commute as seamless as possible for future visitors to the area.
These visitors will be greeted by new infrastructure that encourages an active commute with secure cycle storage, improved street lighting and CCTV cameras on every one of the light poles to promote safe behaviour and help make the commute smoother. The only thing left for you to do is secure a seat on the next train!
Challenges
Balancing Site Security with the need for public access 24/7 through the area of works to the Train Station via a fenced walkway
Building a commercial car park on a peat base – an organic soil known for its hostility to large scale constructions like this
Navigating around an asbestos-contaminated ground which had to be removed and carefully disposed of
Adhering to strict environmental controls and audits throughout the formation of a wetland/swale stormwater catchment outlet
Working in and around the KiwiRail corridor which was home to high voltage overhead power requiring plenty of coordination and extensive HS controls
While meeting these challenges, we were assisted by Lachlan Ward and the DW Environmental team, consistently achieving a very high level of compliance from AC audits.
We worked with local companies such as Electrix, Eco Maintenance and of course, KiwiRail. Rail Protectors were employed when in the corridor, and we communicated intensively with KiwiRail throughout the works programme.
Along with the 6500m² of paved area, the team of about ten lead by Jose and Tex, constructed 490m of fences within the rail corridor, 500m of swale planted in 100s of native plants and 45 large trees covering 5000m²!
All this while about 1000 people per day transited to and from the Takanini Railway station platform... without a single accident or incident.
