Tunnels
2024/2025
While work on the station entrance buildings and streetscape areas is underway, work on the fit-out of the tunnels and rail systems will continue.
Testing and commissioning Testing and commissioning plays a crucial role in bringing the project to life and ensuring that the network performs optimally. In addition to testing the trains in the tunnels, all items such as fire suppression and ventilation will undergo controlled and coordinated tests involving failure scenarios to see that they work as reliably and efficiently as the designers intended.
Q1 Q1-Q3
Installation of ceiling baffles
Q3-Q2
Traction power rail testing within the tunnels
Q2-Q1
Flooring installed
Q2-Q1
Permanent lighting installed
Q3
The journey to completion for the Mercury Lane entrance building is similar to Beresford Square, with a full architectural fitout and the installation of mechanical, electrical, fire and hydraulic equipment. For passersby, installation of the final cladding (sky element) in Q3 2024 will be a highlight, transforming the facade into an iconic depiction of the night sky.
Mercury Lane urban realm The urban realm area around Mercury Lane is distinct from Beresford Square as it will largely be delivered by Auckland Transport as part of their Karanga-a-Hape Station precinct integration programme (commonly referred to as Project K). Mercury Lane is expected to become a pedestrian mall or shared space, from Cross Street to Karangahape Road, which will prioritise pedestrians and and cyclists over vehicles outside the busy new station entrance. Details around these works can be found on Auckland Transport’s website (for information on this project google Karangahape neighbourhood safety improvement programme).
Mercury Lane works As well as delivering the urban realm works in front of the station entrance, Link Alliance will be installing electrical ducts down Mercury Lane to future-proof the area.
Looking ahead at Karanga-a-Hape Station The City Rail Link (CRL) is the largest transport infrastructure project ever to be undertaken in New Zealand. It will allow Auckland’s rail network to at least double in rail capacity.
Testing and commissioning starts
2025 Q2
Mercury Lane entrance building
Installation of glass reinforced concrete (GRC) panel complete
Fitout complete
2024 Q1
Lift installation (back of house lift)
Q1
Ventilation fan installation
Q2-Q3
Mercury Lane closed to through traffic for trenching and ducting
Q2
Main lift installation
Q2-Q3
Utility installation
Q3
Switchboard livening (permanent power on)
Q3
Cross Street traffic direction switch to original flow
Q3
Installation of final cladding / sky element
Q3-Q4
Urban realm work begins
Q4
Permanent lighting installed
Q4
Ticketing infrastructure, including gates
Above: A render of the northbound platform looking south.
Remove sheet piles and backfill temporary access shaft
Q4-Q2
Remove noise enclosure, tower crane and site offices
Q4-Q2
Construct the laneway between Mercury Lane and East Street
Beresford Square entrance building
Construction of the stations and supporting rail infrastructure is scheduled to be completed by the Link Alliance in November 2025.
The staging of these works is listed below
Following the end of the construction programme, CRL Ltd will hand over the completed infrastructure to KiwiRail and Auckland Transport, who will then carry out the additional work required to open the CRL to its first passengers.
2024/2025 Q4-Q2
The City Rail Link project includes two new stations at Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape, and a redeveloped Maungawhau Station. These are connected by 3.45km twin tunnels to the downtown Waitematā Station (Britomart) which will be transformed into a two-way through-station that better connects the city’s rail network.
Light at the end of the tunnel After more than three and a half years of major civil structural works, the project entered a new fitout phase in mid-2023. This phase sees a shift in focus away from digging, concrete and steel works to the installation of ducts, cables, pipes, panels, asphalt, tiles, glass, and more.
Completion of the Beresford Square entrance building involves architectural finishes to walls, floors and ceilings and the installation of mechanical, electrical, fire and hydraulic equipment.
2024/2025 Q1
Escalator installation
Q1
Ventilation fan installation
Q2
Window and glass installation
Q3
Lift installation
Q3
Switchboard livening (permanent power on)
Q4
Permanent lighting installed
Q4-Q1
Installation of ticketing facilities, including gates
Quick Facts:
33 203 9k
AT UP TO Above: A render looking towards the northbound platform. The 40-metre escalator up to Beresford Square can be seen on the right.
Trenching and ducting: Q2 2024 Urban Realm work area: Q3/Q4 2024 Karanga-a-Hape Station precinct integration programme
N, TATIO E PE S C -A-HA ENTRAN A G N E KARA URY LAN C MER
For more information follow the City Rail Link project on social media.
Visit:
www.cityraillink.co.nz
Call: 0800 CRL TALK (275 8255) press option 4 Email:
karangahape@linkalliance.co.nz
UP TO
metres underground, Karanga-a-Hape will be the deepest of CRL’s stations metre-long underground platforms will cater for longer nine-car trains people per hour are expected to disembark at Karanga-a-Hape Station during peak times Escalator install at Mercury Lane.