Preparation for Watercare’s largest-ever construction project is on schedule, with the announcement of the short-listed contractors today.

The Central Interceptor– a 4.5m diameter wastewater tunnel – is designed to help reduce combined wastewater / stormwater overflows to local waterways and the Waitemata Harbour:

With construction set to start in 2019, the $1.2bn Central Interceptor is one of New Zealand’s most ambitious tunnelling projects. Constructed at depths of up to 110m, the tunnel will run 13km between Western Springs and the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant. Connecting to existing networks along the route, flows and overflows will be diverted into the tunnel before it crosses the Manukau Harbour below the seabed.

Short-listed construction contractors for the project are (in no particular order):
• CPB Contractors
• Ghella-Abergeldie Harker Joint Venture
• Pacific Networks, comprising McConnell Dowell, Fletcher Construction and Obayashi
• VINCI Joint Venture, comprising VINCI Construction Grands Projets, HEB Construction and Solentache Bachy.

According to Shayne Cunis, Executive Programme Director for the Central Interceptor, the four strongest contractors have been chosen to move to the next stage of selection.

“All four groups have demonstrated that they have the ability and experience to deliver this project to the required standard, while adding significant value to the project.

“We are looking forward to working with them on the next stage of the process and remain committed to meeting our timeframes for delivery of the Central Interceptor for the people of Auckland.”

Design and technical documentation will be released in March, and the Request for Proposal will be issued to the short-listed contractors in May.

See this Central Interceptor fact sheet for more information.

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