Expanding connections and communities in Auckland
Photo credit: Mark Scowen Photography
Boosting connectivity and sustainability in Auckland
Jacobs and WSP successfully delivered the Northern Corridor Improvements (NCI) project on Auckland’s North Shore. Valued at US$418.9 million (NZ$730 million), this major transport infrastructure project improves regional connectivity, expands public transport and enhances community facilities.
Working within a hybrid alliance that included NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), constructors Fulton Hogan and HEB JV, Jacobs and WSP provided engineering, urban design, consent planning and environmental services. This alliance approach fostered a cohesive effort to meet Auckland’s growing transportation needs.
The NCI project introduced a direct motorway link connecting two state highways, significantly improving the resilience of Auckland’s transport network. It also extended the Northern Busway to expand public transport access and constructed a 6.2-mile (10-kilometer) shared path for cyclists and pedestrians to promote low-carbon travel options.
By prioritizing community and stakeholder needs, Jacobs and the alliance team positioned Auckland for future growth and sustainability. Placing customers and communities at the center of decision making helped deliver remarkable outcomes, including improved travel reliability, expanded public transport options and innovative urban design.
Delivering resilient, community-focused infrastructure
Auckland faced critical challenges, including congested roads, limited public transport options, and the need for greater network resilience. The NCI project addressed these issues by integrating complex motorway connections, extending the Northern Busway, and focusing on community-centric outcomes—all while navigating COVID-19 constraints and minimizing the impact on more than 100,000 vehicles daily.
Jacobs and WSP delivered transformative features, including:
- Upgraded State Highways 1 and 18 for improved traffic flow.
- A new motorway-to-motorway interchange featuring an underpass to ease congestion.
- A 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) extension of the Northern Busway, along with upgraded stations, to enhance public transport options.
- Separated shared-use paths spanning 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) for safer pedestrian and cyclist access.
- Relocation of North Harbour Hockey, BMX and pony clubs with minimal disruption.
- An underpass replacing the originally proposed overpass to reduce noise, visual impact and freight costs.
- Twin viaducts to accelerate construction and limit utility disruptions.
- Urban design elements that reflect Māori heritage through collaboration with iwi.
Commitment to innovation and collaboration
Throughout the NCI project, Jacobs and the alliance maintained a community-first approach. Every design decision considered the needs and perspectives of customers, stakeholders and the local community. The team’s dedication to innovation, sustainability and collaboration helped shape resilient transport infrastructure that continues to benefit the Auckland region.
The NCI Alliance received a Gold Award at the 2023 ACE New Zealand Awards, recognizing its exceptional consulting services and contributions in engineering, urban design and environmental solutions.
NCI was the first hybrid alliance undertaken by NZTA and successfully delivered a value-for-money solution while providing program flexibility for property acquisition and managing consenting risk. From the initial concept design through to construction, the project team embraced the principle of putting the customer at the heart of all decision-making,” says Peter Spies, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, NCI board member.
Did you know?
Key team members
Dean Coutts, Project Design Manager
Kelvyn Drinkrow, Geometrics Lead
Paul Corbett, Structures Lead
Craig Redmond, Planning and Environmental Manager