The Waterview Connection is New Zealand's most complex road project to date. This remarkable project has helped to reduce travel time and congestion for Auckland’s commuters and visitors.

As Auckland continues to grow, so does the use of its already stretched motorway network. Enter Waterview Connection, New Zealand’s largest and most ambitious roading project. Opened to commuters on 2 July 2017, five years after construction began, the Waterview Connection has made a significant impact on the city of sails.

The $1.4 billion project has helped reduce Auckland commuters’ dependence on key routes, including the iconic harbour bridge. It has also helped commuters and visitors get in and around Auckland smoothly; plus links Auckland to its regional neighbours, like Northland and Waikato.

Waterview Connection was the last segment of Auckland’s south-western motorway and the final link for the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route. The 5kms of three-lane motorway includes two parallel 2.4km-long tunnels, and seven major bridge structures.

On average, 3000 to 5000 vehicles travel in each direction during peak hours. And travel time for those going from Auckland’s CBD to the airport has been reduced by approximately 20 minutes.

But Waterview Connection hasn’t only resulted in a more reliable motorway network. Aucklanders can now enjoy improved recreational facilities, like playgrounds and parks, and new cycling and walking connections.

Awards:

  • 2019 IESANZ Lighting Awards – Award of Excellence for the Waterview Southern Ventilation Stack
  • 2018 International Road Federation Global Achievement Awards – Design 
  • 2016 NZ Planning Institute – Best Practice – Consultation and participation strategies and/or processes - Waterview Playground design
  • 2015 NZTA GEM Award – Connecting with the Community – Big Project, Big Heart
  • 2015 NZ Surveyor Institute – Waterview Tunnel Northern Portal Calibration Zone Monitoring
  • 2014 Bentley Be Inspired Awards - Innovation in Roads category
  • 2014 NZTA GEM Award – Teaming Up – Building Consent Exemption Charter

Main image courtesy of Greg Kempthorne.

Related Markets

2.4km

Two parallel, long tunnels

5km

Of new three-lane motorway

NZ$1.4

Billion

Over 40,000 people were able to walk through Waterview Tunnel before it opened to traffic. Image courtesy of Greg Kempthorne.
Waterview Northern Works Oct 2016
Waterview SH20 Dominion Road Oct 2016
Waterview Southern Ventilation Building Oct 2016
The eagerly anticipated tunnels are now open to traffic. Image courtesy of Bruce Jarvis.
Over 40,000 people were able to walk through Waterview Tunnel before it opened to traffic. Image courtesy of Greg Kempthorne.

Our client says

Waterview will mark the greatest change in Auckland’s transport connectivity since the opening of the harbour bridge in 1959, and it will have a significant impact on the way people and freight move around the city and New Zealand,

Brett Gliddon

NZ Transport Agency’s State Highway Manager in Auckland

What We've Done

Auckland Motorway Alliance

Driving safer, quicker and more reliable motorway journeys

Show me how

MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway

Supporting growth in the world’s southernmost capital city

Take the expressway

Services We Provide

Our People

Amelia Linzey

Group Director – Advisory and Chief Planner

View on LinkedIn
Email Amelia Linzey
Bruce Chappell

Technical Director - Civil Engineering

View on LinkedIn
Email Bruce Chappell
Stuart Tucker

Business Director - Major Projects & Partners (NZ)

View on LinkedIn
Email Stuart Tucker