"Cost wasn't the main driver for the switch to MassBloc™. It was the time to install. And with the site being right near the motorway, we were concerned about disruption to traffic through road closures. Using MassBloc™, we were able to work behind barriers between the motorway and the wall - with no disruption to traffic." Mike Caulfield - Contracts Manager, A.C. Blackmore

The Northern Busway project emerged from The Regional Growth Strategy and Passenger Transport Action Plan which identified key passenger transport corridors for the Auckland region. Within the plan it was agreed that a rapid transit system for North Shore City should be based around a dedicated and separated busway alongside the Northern Motorway between the Auckland Harbour Bridge and Constellation Drive. The project is being developed through a partnership of Transit New Zealand, North Shore City Council, Auckland Regional Council and Auckland City. It has been underway since 2000, with completion likely in 2007/08 and a total construction cost estimate of $230 million.

A.C. Blackmore Ltd were awarded the construction of the new on and off ramps for the Albany and Constellation Bus Stations, which included a gravity retaining wall at the proposed Albany Southbound On Ramp. 

Approximately 400m3 of gabions were specified for the retaining wall by Connell Wagner who developed the design for the entire project.  

The Right Solution 

As the contractor, A.C. Blackmore saw an opportunity to use a smarter solution. Given the specified gabion solution had already been approved and resource consent obtained, it was important to identify the benefits of the alternate MassBloc™ solution for the client.  

AC Blackmore priced the new option and outlined to Connell Wagner and Transit how ease of installation would save time and avoid disruption to traffic, and a decision was made to proceed with MassBloc™. 

Construction of the wall - comprising approximately 250 blocks and reaching a maximum height of 3.5m - was completed within three weeks - a saving of between three and four weeks.There was no requirement for road closures whilst installing the MassBloc™ - saving significant time and avoiding disruption for motorists.

More about the Northern Busway Project

The Northern Busway comprises a 6.0 km dedicated two-way roadway for buses in both directions and High Occupancy Vehicles, having southbound access only in the morning peak, the planned two-lane busway will run between Constellation Drive and Esmonde Road. Bus stations  will be located at Albany, Constellation, Sunnynook, Westlake and Akoranga.  A single 2.5 km lane busway will run southbound from Akoranga Station to the Harbour Bridge.
The project planning includes the single lane south of Esmonde Road Interchange to be extended to a two way facility in future. The busway could be converted to light rail, should that option ever be considered in the future.
For more information visit: http://www.busway.co.nz/introduction.html.