Article written by Matthew Stuart – Service Leader – Rail Engineering

The Lower North Island Integrated Mobility Project (LNIRIM) is a major investment programme aimed at improving freight and passenger rail performance, safety, and operational resilience across the lower North Island. The Yards Package forms a critical component of the programme, supporting the introduction of the new fleet of Tuhono Battery Electrical Multiple Units (BEMUs) to allow for increased stabling capacity, charging, maintenance, and futureproofing of rail yard infrastructure.

Vitruvius and Beca are engaged to support the planning, design development, and technical assurance of the Masterton and Palmerston Noth rail yards within the LNIRIM programme. Working with several major stakeholders, including, KiwiRail, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Masterton District Council, Palmerston North District Council, Alstom and Transdev to name a few.

The purpose of our engagement is to provide specialist rail and civil engineering design expertise and provide solutions to complex upgrades of existing rail yards requiring coordinated multidiscipline design. The project involves interfaces with third party landowners, a new maintenance depot D&C Contractor, council assets, GWRC leased land and integration with an existing freight yard and signalling upgrades.

Through the optioneering and detailed design stages, we are tasked with ensuring solutions are:

• Operationally robust
• Compliant with KiwiRail standards
• Practical to construct and stage
• Aligned with programme budget and delivery constraints.

Our exceptional team are delivering the track, civil and geotechnical design, integrated with signal designs and working with our stakeholders to ensure seamless integration with all design, delivery, maintenance and operational requirements. We are excited to work with Beca to showcase excellence in the digital delivery space and ensure this complex multidiscipline design is integrated into one federated model accessible to all stakeholders.

Our team of specialists bring a depth of experience working in live rail yards and other complex operational environments, combined with a strong, practical understanding of KiwiRail standards and assurance processes. Our integrated approach, bringing together civil, track, and constructability considerations, enables us to develop solutions that are not only technically robust, but practical to deliver. This, together with our pragmatic, solutions focused mindset, meant we are well placed to support the yards package and add value throughout the design and delivery process.

The LNIRIM yards package reflects Vitruvius’ role as a trusted rail partner, adding value through integrated design, early risk management, and solutions that support network performance, safety, and long term resilience of the Wellington Metro.

Article written by: Merci Martin – Civil Engineer and Albert Ho – Service Leader – Civil and Water Engineering

The Making Space for Water (MS4W) programme is Auckland Council’s response to the extreme storms of early 2023, which led to local and national emergencies, claimed six lives and forced the evacuation of over 7,000 homes. Unprecedented rainfall overwhelmed the stormwater network, leaving many unprepared for the resulting floods.

As part of MS4W, Vitruvius is proud to partner with Healthy Waters to deliver the Overland Flow Path Management (OLFP) initiative, one of seven key projects aimed at improving Auckland’s resilience to heavy rainfall and extreme weather events.

This initiative focuses on ensuring overland flow paths function effectively to reduce flood risks. The work is carried out at both a catchment level (capital works) and an individual property scale, helping water flow safely through neighbourhoods and minimising damage to homes and infrastructure.

Key components of the initiative include:

• Field assessments and a new app to identify and report blockages.
• Community engagement to educate residents on their responsibilities.
• Compliance measures to ensure overland flow paths remain clear and effective.

Both Merci and Albert from Vitruvius are providing the day-to-day project management expertise with Vitruvius also presenting an on the ground assessment team playing a vital role in shaping a flood resilient Tāmaki Makaurau. We’re proud to support this work, which will shape how the city manages stormwater now and into the future.

 

Photo from left to right Daniel Cho – Civil Engineer, Merci Martin – Civil Engineer, Marc Porter – Civil Engineer, Matthew Sheppard – Senior Civil Engineer, and William Wang – Senior Project Engineer.

Vitruvius was proud to be involved in the Links Avenue project, a high‑profile programme of works for Tauranga City Council (TCC). The project was not without its challenges, and following a number of issues over several years, Vitruvius was engaged to undertake the design and MSQA works for the troubled corridor. 

The corridor along Links Ave is crucial for the local community, particularly with its proximity to several schools and the high volume of pedestrian, cycle, and bus traffic. Recognising this, Vitruvius designed and implemented a shared use area that prioritises safety for cyclists of all ages. This was achieved through the strategic placement of separation islands and hit sticks, ensuring a secure passage for commuters traveling to school and work. 

Throughout design TCC identified the corridor as strategically significant and consequently a dedicated maintenance budget was allocated to comprehensively rehabilitate the pavement with concrete. This enhancement not only strengthens the corridor but also supports the anticipated growth of the bus network and increased bus movements in the future. 

Key achievements of the project include: 

• Innovative Design Solutions: Incorporating advanced design elements to create a safe and accessible environment for all road users. 
• Timely Execution: Managing site activities efficiently, including design adaptations and rapid solutions delivery, to meet stringent construction deadlines. 
• Integrated Approach: Seamlessly integrating pavement rehabilitation and cycleway installation over a 1.3km stretch during a critical two-week school holiday period. 

Tauranga’s main arterial route, Cameron Road, was upgraded and future‑proofed from Harington Street in the city centre to Seventeenth Avenue beside Tauranga Hospital. The project improved safety and streetscape quality while providing more transport choices, enabling people to walk, cycle, scooter, catch a bus or drive with greater confidence. The project was almost entirely Government‑funded through the Crown Infrastructure Partners’ Shovel Ready initiative, supporting local economic recovery following COVID‑19.

Vitruvius provided programme and project management services to Tauranga City Council. With a strong understanding of Council processes, objectives and operating environment, our team brought a proven track record of delivering complex, multidisciplinary projects within tight timeframes.

Throughout the project, Vitruvius delivered robust risk management and quality assurance, applied specialist infrastructure delivery and risk mitigation expertise, and identified and managed key project milestones and deliverables. We also fostered a highly collaborative working environment with contractors and fellow consultants.

Vitruvius was responsible for managing the detailed design and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process, as well as overseeing the public communication and engagement strategy.

This project was to investigate and construct a new road link from State Highway 2a, de-conflicting traffic priorities on State Highway 29 to the Port of Tauranga.

Vitruvius acted as project manager through the investigation and onto the specimen design phase. This investigation took 2½ years to complete amid strong political and public interest.

Vitruvius also provided project management to oversee the compilation of tender documentation, tender process management and the appointment of a professional services provider to deliver the specimen design.

Article written by: Mitchell Alley – Project Delivery Manager

The Smith Street Development is an ongoing greenfield residential subdivision at the eastern edge of Waihi, transforming 6.1 hectares of former pastoral land into a 68 lot neighbourhood designed to support long term community growth.

Vitruvius has been involved from the outset, providing civil engineering design, surveying, and MSQA services through planning, consenting, and construction. Our team is working closely with Classic Developments Ltd and a multidisciplinary consultant group to resolve site constraints and deliver coordinated, buildable design solutions.

The project presents a range of technical and environmental challenges, including flood hazard management, stream and wetland interfaces, embankment stability, fish passage requirements, contaminated soils, and stormwater discharge effects. Vitruvius has undertaken early infrastructure and flood assessments, prepared Assessments of Environmental Effects, and led the civil design process through District and Regional Council consenting.

Earthworks have been completed over two construction seasons, establishing the final landform and enabling staged delivery of civil infrastructure. Stage 1 works are currently underway and include internal roading and servicing, significant retaining structures, a new neighbourhood reserve, walking tracks along the internal stream, and integrated wetland and stormwater systems that enhance both functionality and amenity.

Through close collaboration and a rigorous design approach, Vitruvius is continuing to unlock value on a complex site, delivering a resilient and well-considered development that balances engineering performance, environmental outcomes, and future liveability.

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Article written by: Mitchell Alley – Project Delivery Manager

The transformation of Links Avenue Reserve represents a major step forward for local sport and recreation, delivering a high-quality football destination designed for all ages and abilities.

Vitruvius played a central role throughout the project, leading all design phases and providing comprehensive MSQA and Engineer’s Representative services from inception through to delivery. Our team worked closely with project partners and stakeholders to ensure the final outcome met rigorous standards for quality, safety, and long-term community value.

The upgrade included a FIFA-grade artificial football pitch, supported by significant improvements to stormwater and wastewater infrastructure. Over 2,000 metres of advanced Megaflo drainage help maintain playing performance year-round, complemented by a soakage system beneath the car park to effectively manage runoff. Improved access, parking, and modern amenities ensure the Reserve functions as a welcoming and practical space for both players and spectators.

Since opening, the Reserve has become a key hub for football and wider community activity, supporting increased participation and providing a safe, well-designed environment for organised sport and informal use alike. The quality of the finished asset reflects a strong collaborative effort and a shared commitment to enhancing Tauranga’s sporting infrastructure.

Today, Links Avenue Reserve stands as a premier sporting asset for the region – one that supports grassroots sport, enables high-quality competition, and delivers lasting benefits for the Bay of Plenty community.

Article written by Selwyn Blackmore – Business Leader and Sector Lead – Transport, and Graeme Corin – Senior Transport Engineer

Vitruvius was engaged by KiwiRail to support the reopening of the Dublin Street/Auckland Street intersection and the adjacent road and rail level crossing in Picton. The intersection and crossing had been closed for over 12 months to accommodate access changes associated with the former IREX project. Following the Government’s decision to discontinue IREX, the reinstatement of this key connection was prioritised and has since been completed.

Vitruvius delivered an end‑to‑end design and delivery support package for KiwiRail to enable the reopening. Our role included leading the detailed road and rail design, civil design inputs, project management, construction supervision, and contract administration to NZS 3910. The project also involved close coordination with Marlborough District Council, Marlborough Roads, and NZTA to ensure the works were delivered efficiently and safely.

The reopening resolved a prolonged disruption to traffic movements and reinstated an important road and rail interface following an extended period of closure.

Article written by Henry Watson – Senior Rail Project Engineer

Vitruvius is proud to have supported Auckland Transport (AT) in delivering the Wiri Depot upgrade project which went into use in November 2024.

The 550m depot is the main maintenance and stabling facility for Auckland Transports new Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) trains. The project features 10 brand-new stabling roads built by John Holland between October 2023 – November 2024, where Neil Mason acted as the Engineer to Contract, with Henry Watson managing the day-to-day as the Engineer’s Representative.

The entire depot was built up from scratch, covering a number of disciplines containing earthworks, drainage, track, Overhead Line Equipment (OLE), lighting, signalling, Communications, Signalling and Rail systems (CSR), Electrical and Bulding services (E&B).

The depot is a crucial part of infrastructure for AT, serving as the hub for the new fleet for the City Rail Link (CRL). Each train visits the depot at least once a month for maintenance, undergoing minor inspections every 1,000 kilometres. As mileage increases, the inspections become progressively more comprehensive, ensuring the fleet remains in peak condition.

Wiri also marked the starting point of the Third Main Line, with a section of the new line completed in 2025 as part of a staged delivery programme. The additional track allows freight trains to operate independently of commuter services, reducing congestion and improving network efficiency.

It was an incredible project to be a part of, being able to watch the depot being built from the ground up.