MINUTES
DATE
24 February 2020
TIME
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
LOCATION
Link Alliance site office, 97 Mt Eden Road
MEETING
Mt Eden Community Liaison Group
ATTENDEES
CLG members: John Fryer, Caleb Perry, Juliana Netzler Guests: Sarah Badcock, Connor Stuart Link Alliance staff: Sonya Leahy, Helen Jansen, Annabelle Wrigley (Communications & Engagement Advisors), Aidan Kirkby-McLeod & Maree Drury (Senior Planners), Thibaut L’Hopital (Mt Eden Station Project Manager), Phil Young (C5 Utilities Engineer), Hugh Leersnyder (Environment, Sustainability & Planning Manager), and Dave Harris (Mt Eden Construction Manager). Management plan specialists: Jason Pene (Air Quality), Craig Fitzgerald (Noise & Vibration), Stephen Thomson (Contamination), Troy Brockbank (Erosion & Sediment Control), Hilary Konigkramer (Social Impact & Business Disruption), Matt Paul (Trees & Vegetation), Jack Wan (Transport, Access & Parking), Maree Drury (Construction Environmental Management & Communication & Consultation).
APOLOGIES
Roscoe & Christine Tait, Emma Sparks, Kevin Sparks, Kelvin Norgrove, Wayne Matthews
Agenda items No
Item
Speaker
1
Welcome and overview
Sonya Leahy
2
Mt Eden works update •
Progress on the works since the last meeting
•
Station area
Thibaut L’Hopital
•
Upcoming works
3
Portal piling and trial blasting works
Sam Downing
4
Other upcoming works at Mt Eden
Sonya Leahy
5
Porters Ave level crossing closure
Sonya Leahy
6
Mt Eden Station closure
Sonya Leahy
7
Our main works programme
Maree Drury
8
TBM naming competition
Sonya Leahy
Minutes •
Sonya Leahy welcomed everyone to the meeting, introduced the Link Alliance staff present and outlined the agenda for the evening.
•
Thibaut L’Hopital, the Mt Eden Station Project Manager, then provided an update on what’s happening in the Mt Eden Station area:
•
Final stages of demolition underway. Remaining demolition to be done on 11 Water Street and 28 Mt Eden Road.
•
John Fryer asked when the rest of the Life Church building would be demolished. Thibaut L’Hopital advised the front of the Life Church building will be left as is until later this year.
•
Geotechnical investigations continue to inform ground conditions ahead of construction
•
Utility investigations continue ahead of relocation works.
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Flower Street will be diverted to create the space necessary to build the CRL tunnel portal under the Flower/Nikau St intersection.
•
Flower St will re-open next month and the section of Shaddock Street and Ruru Street within our site will close.
•
Our concrete crusher is pulverising concrete waste from demolition, re-using it to create temporary roads for the construction site and reducing the amount of waste taken to landfill and truck movements to and from site.
•
Sonya Leahy asked the CLG for feedback in regards to the recent works on site.
•
Connor Stuart stated that he had noticed a lot of dust where the mechanic shop used to be on Ruru Street.
•
John Fryer stated that they were dusting every day at their shop- House of Knives.
•
Jason Pene the Air Quality Specialist for the Link Alliance asked Connor Stuart where he thought the dust had come from.
•
Connor Stuart answered that he thought it was part of the demolition along Ruru Street.
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Jason Pene stated that Ward Demolition should be using water mister to mitigate demolition dust.
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Thibaut reiterated that the construction team are aware of the dust and have stopped work from Ward Demolition earlier in February because of the amount of dust being generated from the Life Church demolition. Asked to get in touch if the dust becomes too much.
•
Sonya confirms CLG should get in touch with the Mt Eden mailbox if they are having dust issues.
•
Jason reiterated that feedback is important to ensuring we can arrange targeted controls.
•
Juliana Netzler raised that they detected work was being done outside of agreed hours. Stated that they heard the truck being delivered to site before 7am and it created a lot of noise.
•
Sonya confirmed that the truck arrived ahead of schedule and that sometimes we need to deliver heavy machinery outside of peak hours as part of the permit.
•
Sonya introduces Sam Downing, the Link Alliance Foundations Engineer who is managing the portal piling.
•
Sam demonstrates where the portal piling will begin.
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Currently have the piling rig and the crane up on site.
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Piling is required to create the portal that the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) will launch from.
•
Involves use of large equipment, including a piling rig and crawler crane.
•
The rig and crane will sit on tiered earth platforms on the hillside at the intersection of Flower and Nikau Street.
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The rig will drill 66 piles at depths of 8 to 40 metres to retain the ground.
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Sam plays the portal piling demo video, which explains how the work will be undertaken.
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Explained to reduce noise, they are using a mini excavator as an alternative.
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Mentioned there may be a concrete delivery after hours as they need to concrete as part of the portal piling – although they will do their best to deliver during normal hours.
•
Sonya introduces Craig Fitzgerald the Noise and Vibration specialist to talk about trial blasting.
•
Craig explains that trial blasting was undertaken to ensure we understand the noise and impacts of the blast.
•
Did a couple of test blasts and monitored them for noise and vibration.
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The big effect from the blast is the startle – normally sounds or feels like a dull thud.
•
Recommended if the CLG members ever get the opportunity to see one they should attend as the blasts are very underwhelming.
•
Explained that the blasts are done in specific time windows to reduce the impact to Mediaworks’ broadcasts.
•
Explained that before the blast begins, a siren will be go off to notify people nearby of a blast.
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John Fryer asked how far away can you hear the siren. Craig answered that it is usually an air horn and can be heard 100 meters away. It’s designed to be heard by people who can feel the trial blasting thud.
•
John Fryer stated that he could feel the vibration at his business House of Knives.
•
Craig demonstrated on a map where the trial blasts were released and explained where it could be felt based on the sites.
•
John Fryer asked if the sensors on House of Knives is connected to the construction site. Craig confirmed that the monitor on House of Knives is not that type of monitor it was for building movement.
•
Sonya then begins to talk about other early works coming up.
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Pressprint building is scheduled for demolition on 2 March and 11 Water street demolition on 9 March as the land is required for construction of the CRL line.
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Tree removals are scheduled for 32 Normanby and Fenton Street. This will be done from28th February to early April. The Pohutukawa trees will be relocated to Western park in Ponsonby.
•
Preparation is underway for Fenton Street utility relocation. This involves removing on-street parking and starting earthworks to create extra construction space ahead of utility diversions. This is likely to start just before Easter.
•
Mt Eden road utilities relocation has been delayed until about June/July, due to construction design changes for the Mt Eden Road bridge. Bridge construction now expected to happen September 2020.
•
Juliana Netzler asked what the bridge work would be, John Fryer answered that the current bridge will be extended and an additional bridge will be built.
•
Caleb Perry asked about where the bus stops and parking will be. Sony answered that we can return to the question later.
•
Sonya introduces Porters Avenue closure.
•
Permanent closure to enable Link Alliance to integrate CRL with the Western Line while improving rail safety.
•
Porters Ave & Wynyard Street will become cul-de-sac streets.
•
Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross in the area.
•
Wayfinding signage will be installed.
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During Queen’s Birthday weekend, protective gates will be installed to provide safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists until the new Porters Ave overbridge is built in 2021.
•
New North Rd / Porters Ave intersection has a poor crash record. Closure expected to improve intersection safety.
•
Will enable more frequent trains once CRL opens.
•
Sonya introduces Mt Eden station closure
•
Mt Eden Station will close for about 4 years to enable Link Alliance to build the City Rail Link.
•
Trains will run through Mt Eden on one line (referred to as ‘single line running’) to ensure enough space to safely complete construction on the opposite side of the rail corridor without delaying freight and passenger services.
•
If trains were to stop at Mt Eden, it would create a “stop/go” effect on the Western Line. The frequency of trains would then need to reduce - affecting thousands of train users across the network every day.
•
If you do use the Mt Eden stop we are working with AT, they are setting up another bus option from May that will connect from Valley road to Newmarket.
•
Closing the station is the only way we can guarantee public and worker safety while work is underway.
•
The Fenton/Ngahura station entrance will be permanently closed as per AT’s design. The current access way will be home to a complex track in the future.
•
Rail construction site extends Dominion Rd to Khyber Pass - a temporary platform between neighbouring Kingsland and Grafton stations not feasible.
•
If you catch the train to/from Mt Eden station, or use it as a walking connection, you will need to rethink your journey. We’re working closely with AT to ensure there are public transport alternatives available.
•
Sonya introduces Maree Drury Technical Planning Principal to speak about the main works and the planning approvals.
•
Juliana Netzler asked that when the pedestrian crossing closes will the bells still go off. Sonya answered yes, because the crossing is retiring the bells will be removed.
•
Maree recaps the C5 works to date
•
Normanby Road early works begins this week. This is to prepare for the utilities diversions and temporary bridge for Normanby Road.
•
Currently a construction management plan for Normanby Road is being updated then will be submitted to council this week.
•
Ground improvement early works for retaining walls between Normanby Rd and Mt Eden Rd has been underway.
•
Once early works is completed, main works will get underway and aiming to start July 2020.
•
Maree presents the western line integration image.
•
Explains the map and where the portal will be in relation to the map
•
Explains that it will be building a lot of retaining walls to prepare for lowering the line and adding in the new one.
•
Outlines where the new Mt Eden Rd bridge will be in relation to the Link Alliance site office.
•
Explains that there are delivery works plans for many aspects of the construction taking place.
•
Engagement with the community is underway, this is called Social impact and business disruption engagement and it spans from February to March.
•
Maree discusses key dates for the Mt Eden rail corridor works:
•
Construction of the retaining walls required for rail trenches will start from Q3 2020 and end Q4 2022.
•
Construction of temporary utility services bridge over Normanby Road level crossing will start from Q3 2020 and end Q4 2020.
•
Construction of split-level cross-over structure, which will enable trains to connect to the new CRL line will start from Q4 2020 and end Q4 2021.
•
Bulk earthworks for rail trenches will start Q1 2021 and end Q4 2022.
•
Construction of Normanby Road road-over-rail bridge will start Q3 2021 and end Q2 2022 – during these works Normanby Road will close for about six months to accommodate this work.
•
Realignment of Boston Road / Normanby Road / Nugent Street roundabout will start Q2 2021 and end Q2 2022.
•
Maree discusses key dates for the Mt Eden Road to Fenton / Ngahura Street-end of the station platform
•
Closure of Mt Eden Station will occur 30 May 2020.
•
Construction of additional Mt Eden Road bridge for CRL line will begin Q2 2020 and end Q3 2021.
•
Demolition of existing Western Line platform and staged construction of an extended and realigned platform beginning Q1 2020 and ending Q4 2022.
•
Construction of the new Mt Eden Station building begins Q1 2021 and ends late 2022.
•
Maree discusses key dates for the western-facing connection (from Fenton Street towards Porters Avenue)
•
Closure of Porters Avenue level crossing is 10 April 2020.
•
Track removal and construction of rail trench and rail cross over structures from Q3 2020 to Q1 2023.
•
Construction of Porters Avenue over-bridge begins Q3 2020 and ends Q3 2021.
•
Staged reinstatements of Fenton Street after utility relocation works and footbridge. construction from Q4 2020 to Q3 2022.
•
Construction of Fenton Street to Ngahura Street over-bridge from Q1 2021 to Q3 2022.
•
Maree discusses key dates for the Mt Eden Station area works
•
Construction of an additional Mt Eden Road bridge, located north of the existing one to enable a rail trench for the CRL line to be built underneath is expected to begin September 2020.
•
Construction of a new Ruru Street bridge expected to begin Q3 2021. The bridge will eventually have a CRL platform underneath it.
•
Launch of the TBM from the Mt Eden tunnel portal will commence February 2021.
•
Construction of the new Mt Eden Station building will commence Q1 2021 to late 2022.
•
Public realm enhancements will begin from 2023.
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Sonya states that we have new brochures with key dates of the rail corridor work that we will distribute after the meeting.
•
John Fryer asked if the new Mt Eden bridge would be finished by Christmas. Sonya answered no, that it will take eight months to complete.
•
Maree introduces Jack Wan, Transport, Access and Parking Specialist to talk about traffic management plans.
•
Matt explained when the station closes for four years; there will be a new bus service to connect Mt Eden Road to New Market.
•
The new 640 service will take passengers from (Kingsland Station TBC) to Valley Rd to Mt Eden Rd to Boston Rd to Khyber Pass Rd to Broadway and end at Newmarket Station.
•
Signalisation of Enfield St/Akiraho St/Mt Eden Rd intersection for bus priority on Mt Eden Rd and safe pedestrian crossings.
•
New North Rd express services changed to all stops.
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Additional capacity on existing 22-New North Rd and 24-Sandringham Rd services.
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There will be wayfinding and information signs to/from station area.
•
Signalisation of New North Road and Ngahura Street for bus priority on New North Road
•
Normanby road will be closed for select weekends and nights in 2020 and from September 2021 March 2022 will be detours in place via Enfield Street to Mt Eden Road to Boston Road.
•
Additional Mt Eden Road bridge will be built from September 2020 to September 2021. To enable this a short section of bus lane and flush median to be removed to maintain one traffic lane each way during peak time.
•
Normanby road bridge installation and roundabout upgrade will be constructed from September 2021 to March 2022.
•
During these works there will be a temporary Normanby Road pedestrian bridge over rail line.
•
The roundabout closure will be during December-January holiday period, and potential lane closures in the weeks before and after.
•
There will be signalisation of Normanby Rd / Mt Eden Rd intersection for turning out of Normanby Rd and bus priority on Mt Eden Rd.
•
As for general traffic activity you will notice:
•
More construction trucks for material transport for excavation and construction of tunnels, tracks and retaining wall.
•
Support vehicles – commuting of staff and delivery of equipment
•
Movement activity around construction site access points
•
Jack then discusses the approach for general access and parking response, this includes: o
Maintaining vehicle access to private property to the greatest extent possible and providing pedestrian access at all times.
o
Queues and delays on the public road network will be monitored in the AM and PM commuting peaks. Short term works (about 2 weeks or less) will be done between the peaks or overnight.
o
Alternative parking areas will be provided to the greatest extent possible to replace any private property parking that is temporarily disrupted.
o
Alternative parking will be considered for loss of public on-street parking that directly supports businesses and organisations.
•
John Fryer stated that the peak hour has extended so now there are more buses on the road
•
Jack Wan stated that alternative parking will be considered for loss of public on street parking
•
John Fryer stated that the motorbike shop was told the road outside their shop would be available for the public to park in, however later it was turned into a bus lane. John wants confirmation about where the public can park as it affects his business the most.
•
Jack Wan responded that they have a plan for some of the residents and we are currently looking around the city and identifying where alternative parking could be located.
•
Caleb Perry asked if we could confirm where the parking would be at the next Community Liaison Group meeting.
•
Maree Drury stated that there is a huge priority to work with existing public transport options.
•
Craig Fitzgerald introduces the construction noise and vibration delivery works plan.
•
Raises the key matters they think will be important to CLG:
•
o
Understanding what activities we can do during existing block of lines
o
Engaging with stakeholders whenever any noise and vibration is expected
o
Using monitoring equipment .
Introduces what the delivery work plan looks like for noise and vibration o
Objective is to use the best practicable option (BPO) to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects.
•
•
o
Staff training.
o
Appropriate equipment selection.
o
Use of noise barriers.
o
Restrictions on night activities.
o
Regular communication with stakeholders.
o
Noise and vibration monitoring.
Sonya Leahy announces the TBM naming competition o
All the details are online and the deadline is the 5th May
o
Theme is ground-breaking new Zealand women.
Sonya closes presentation, we will re-meet in April o
There is an information hub on Wednesday night and one the following week.
Next meeting to be held: 6 April 2020