Inter-Islander Resilient Connection (iReX)
This project focused on a large-scale redevelopment of marine and landside infrastructure in Picton and Kaiwharawhara (Wellington) to accommodate two new rail-enabled inter-islander ferries.
Design work commenced in 2019, with extensive planning and early construction activity progressing through to 2023. However, in late 2023, the incoming Government controversially declined additional funding for the project, leading to the project being wound down.
CLIENT
KiwiRail / Port Marlborough / Downer-HEB Joint Venture (DHJV)
LOCATION
Picton & Kaiwharawhara (Wellington), NZ
COMPLETED
Construction suspended December 2023
Our Scope
Marshall Day Acoustics was first engaged by KiwiRail in 2019 to assess airborne noise, vibration and underwater noise effects for the Picton redevelopment. Consent was granted in 2021.
In 2022, we were appointed by the Downer-HEB Joint Venture (DHJV) as the noise and vibration expert for construction activities across both Picton and Wellington. Our role involved predicting, mitigating and managing construction noise and vibration effects on a range of receivers, including residents, sensitive structures and endangered marine fauna.
CHALLENGES
The project’s scale and sensitivity presented a range of complex acoustic challenges, including:
Extended night works in rail corridors during holiday periods involved detailed investigation to minimise noise and vibration, and to support engagement with affected residents.
Piling activity near the Edwin Fox, a Category 1 heritage vessel, required careful planning, adaptive management and long-term vibration monitoring to protect the historic structure.
Underwater noise mitigation in sensitive marine habitat areas, included trialling and validating innovative techniques, such as single and double bubble curtains, prior to major piling works.
Presence of divers working near piling activities, required occupational noise exposure assessments and development of a management framework based on trial exposure measurements.
“It was a pleasure to have Marshall Day providing technical input to the iReX project. I have come to expect delivery of a high-quality service which is technically sound, yet pragmatic. The MD people are also great to work with! Their input to iReX was no exception! ”
PROJECT TEAM
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