Underground and over-ground – connecting SH20 to SH16 with the Waterview Connection.
The Waterview Connection is the New Zealand Transport Agency’s most ambitious roading project and the final motorway connection required to complete Auckland’s Western Ring Route. It comprises twin 2.5km motorway tunnels plus associated connecting roading infrastructure and, at Great North Road in Waterview, a large interchange of ramps. The site is in urban Auckland and the project had the potential to have a profound impact on the local residents and wider communities in the area.
As a result of the severance caused by the above-ground works associated with the project, the Board of Enquiry determined that the large open space areas within the motorway alignment were to be revitalised and new public amenities delivered.
In conjunction with the public space impacts, the infrastructure itself had to deliver a world-class design outcome due to the prominence of the project in the local environment. The public had an enormous effect on the design outcomes through the extensive consultation and design workshops that were held in order to give the community a voice in the profound changes, long-term upheaval, and eventual amenities occurring in their neighbourhoods.
Boffa Miskell led the delivery of landscape architecture, urban design and architectural outcomes (with Warren and Mahoney). This included design input to all motorway structures and buildings; rehabilitation of open spaces including creek rehabilitation and re-alignment works, ecological restoration work and planting; construction of pedestrian and road bridges, sports facilities, two skate parks, a large playground, and a BMX track; installation of public art, signage and way-finding systems; and recognition of heritage and cultural areas.
