Waterview Connection

Unlocking Auckland's potential

When the Waterview Connection opened in 2017 it was touted as the biggest change to Auckland's roading network since the opening of the Harbour Bridge in 1959.
The new tunnel and interchange connects the Southwestern and Northwestern Motorways (State Highways 20 and 16) to complete the Western Ring Route - a 48km motorway alternative easing pressure on SH1. More than just a highway, the Waterview Connection is a multi-modal corridor that provides pedestrian and cyclist routes, and public open spaces.

Half of the new motorway – 2.4km – is underground. A custom built tunnel boring machine (the tenth largest in the world) was used to construct twin, three-lane tunnels up to 40m below ground.

The other main feature of the project is the Great North Road Interchange, that connects the twin tunnels to the existing road network. Four ramps, totalling 1.7km in length carry traffic to and from the tunnels onto the Southwestern and Northwestern motorways.

800,000m³

Tunnel spoil

$50million

Tunnel boring machine

24,040

Precast tunnel ring segments

We delivered the project as part of the Well-Connected Alliance, alongside McConnell Dowell Constructors, PB New Zealand, Beca Infrastructure, Tonkin + Taylor, Obayashi Corporation and the Transport Agency. The Alliance will also maintain and manage the connection – including the tunnels – for 10 years after it opens.