The 4.5 m diameter, 13 km wastewater tunnel will run below Auckland from Western Springs to a new pump station at the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant and is the largest wastewater project undertaken in New Zealand.
The project has been on Watercare’s agenda for a number of years and is fully catered for within the budget as part of the NZ$5.8 billion planned to expand and upgrade the company’s infrastructure over the next 10 years.
CPB Contractors, Ghella–Abergeldie Harker Joint Venture (JV), Pacific Networks (comprising McConnell Dowell, Fletcher Construction and Obayashi) and VINCI JV (comprising VINCI Construction Grands Projets, HEB Construction and Soletanche Bachy) were announced as the shortlist contractors in March.
“The Central Interceptor is exciting for Auckland. One, because it will improve our environment; two, because Auckland is growing rapidly and this will allow for that growth; and three, it creates employment and opportunities for the city,” said Watercare Chief Executive Raveen Jaduram.
“In addition to providing for growth, it will also reduce the volume of overflows into the harbour.
“Parts of the old Auckland City Council area have no stormwater system, so when it rains the stormwater goes into the wastewater pipes and then overflows into streams and beaches.
“It was designed to do that in the early 1900s because it was acceptable back then. But Aucklanders’ expectations have changed – we want a clean and swimmable water environment.
“It’s expected to reduce the volume of [wastewater and stormwater] overflows by at least 80 per cent.
“It also provides time for Auckland Council to install stormwater pipes in areas where there are none.”
Central Interceptor Executive Program Director Shayne Cunis said stringent probity measures are being taken to protect the tender process.
“The security measures we’re taking are in line with what would be expected of a project of this scale.
“The Central Interceptor is a massive undertaking, and the contractors have put a lot of time and resource into their tenders.
“We will ensure our process for protecting their submissions is water-tight.
“Trust and confidence in Watercare’s processes have always been paramount. This is no exception.”
Evaluating the tenders to identify a preferred bidder is expected to take about two months, with an announcement about the successful contractor will likely be made in February 2019.
Construction will begin next year and continue until 2025.
An in-depth article on the Central Interceptor is featured in the March edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet, or mobile device, click here.
For more information visit the Watercare website.
If you have news you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Assistant Editor Chloe Jenkins at cjenkins@gs-press.com.au