Photo Gallery for Waterview Connection 1

Driving down towards the tunnel entrance you can appreciate how high the Southern Approach Trench walls are. How many metres high do you think these walls are?

Inside the tunnel you can see the yellow ventillation pipe and conveyor belt which takes spoil that has been dug out by Alice to the surface.

Walking down the tunnel to meet Alice the Tunnel Boring Machine. How do you think this part of the tunnel will change as the road is built?

This is the backend of Alice the TBM. What is used to power this machine?

Shelley watches Alice at work at the top of the tunnel.

Richard is Alice's pilot and controls her from this room on board the TBM. Why do you think it is important to not let Alice move off course?

Looking back down New Zealand's longest road tunnel.

Concrete segments are stacked ready to be moved by truck into the tunnel. What are these segments used for and how are they put in place?

Shivani shows you the two liquids used to make the grout which will hold the concrete segments in place.

When the grout is mixed it sets solid. Why do you think grout is used rather than glue or another material?

Shelley and Dominic talk to Banks Avenue and Marco School during today's audioconferences.

Glen Kirk, one of the construction managers, shows the ambassadors around the construction site.

The Hendon Bridge is a footbridge being built as part of the Waterview Connection Project. Why do you think so much extra work is being done to provide facilities like this?

Oakley Creek was in a man-made channel. It has now been moved to make way for construction. What has been done to improve this stream and make it look more natural?

A wetland area is being created near the tunnel entrance. What will this area be used for?

Glen and Shelley overlook the Southern Approach Trench. How was this trench constructed?

Looking into the southern tunnel entrance. What do you think the pipe that comes out of the top of the tunnel is for?

The foundations for the Southern Vent Building are being constructed. What is the purpose of this building?

This is part of the new motorway. How many lanes wide do you think it is?

Peter Spies and Shelley talk about Auckland's need for good roads. Why do you think Auckland has traffic problems?

The Auckland Harbour Bridge has been modified to take more traffic; how has it been modified?

Driving over the Auckland Harbour Bridge is much more pleasant when it is not busy. How do you think traffic is managed on this bridge to reduce congestion?

Helen Cook and Shelley talk to Marist College and Marco School during today's audioconferences.

The Waterview Connection includes two 2.4 kilometre tunnels shown in yellow and will complete the Western Ring Route. Why are the tunnels being built rather than just a normal road?

Helen Cook from NZTA tells Shelley about the Western Ring Route and how it is being built.

Victoria Park Skate Plaza in Auckland was built as part of a road project. The Waterview Connection Project will also provide skate parks and other facilities to improve the area. 

Once completed the Western Ring Route will provide an alternative to the Harbour Bridge and State Highway One.

It was a spectacular day to be flying north from Dunedin to begin the Waterview Connection field trip.

Cloud covered most of  Christchurch City but you caught a glimpse of Sumner and Banks Peninsula.

Snowy peaks could be seen near Kaikōura. What is the name of these two mountain ranges?

Looking over the Marlborough Sounds it was easy to forget that it is still winter.

Mount Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe shone in the evening light and looked like a perfect place to go skiing.

The light was fading as you approached Auckland.

You have to complete a safety induction at the Waterview Connection site office before you can go on site. What hazards do you think there are on this site?

Shelley and the ambassadors check on traffic conditions above State Highway 16. 

Rush hour in Auckland. How do you think the Waterview Connection will improve traffic congestion in Auckland?