The project involves separation of road and rail at New Lynn through construction of a 1.2 km rail trench up to 8m deep with a new central island platform. It will greatly improve traffic flow through the town centre by allowing a double tracked railway system with 4 road bridges, a significant improvement on the existing single tracked railway that currently crosses the road 4 times, and stopping traffic as it does so.

The New Lynn Rail Trench will give a massive boost to New Lynn town centre with an integrated transport system that will allow trains to operate through it every 10 minutes. Along with the pedestrian friendly core that is being developed it will allow the area to cater for an expected doubling of its business hub and number of town-centre residents over the next 20 years,

The project was started in April 2008 and was finished ahead of its original schedule and budget.

Hirepool’s Involvement
Hirepool have been involved in the New Lynn Rail Trench as one of the key suppliers of rental equipment to Fletcher Construction. Hirepool’s wide product range and timely service enabled the project to be completed to a high standard, ahead of schedule and below budget.

 “We deliver projects with the partnership of suppliers and contractors, Hirepool being one of these. Without these companies we couldn’t complete the project to the standard and the efficiency that we do.”

Malcolm McDonald – Project Manager – Fletcher Construction

A range of equipment was supplied for the New Lynn Rail Trench, across a range of Hirepools specialist product groups of general hire, access, barricading solutions, port-a-loo, energy and vehicle rentals.

Much of the equipment was required on long term rental so it was at the site, when needed, for the duration of the project.

Rental equipment supplied included fencing, road plates, concrete barriers, 2 ton truck, portable toilets, scaffolding, boom lifts, compressors, submersible pumps, water blasters, needle guns, generators, drills, plate compactor, wheelbarrows, cutters, excavators and breakers.

The Challenge

The project provided considerable logistical challenges for everyone involved as the site was adjacent to New Lynn town centre calling for minimal disruption to the public.

The scale and location of the project provided an extra challenge to Hirepool as the New Lynn branch, closest to the site, traditionally dealt with DIY customers and didn’t have all equipment that was needed.

The project was run around the clock, so careful planning and extra support was provided by Hirepool to make sure that all equipment was available in a timely and organised manner.

“The project was very much programme driven, productivity was key. A number of plant spreads were required as it was a 1.2km site and all spreads needed to be working at maximum”

Malcolm McDonald – Project Manager – Fletcher Construction

The Solution

A dedicated account manager was allocated to the project to develop a closer relationship with the customer, the New Lynn branch staff and make sure any Fletcher requirements were met in a timely manner and with a high standard.

 “We would put on weekly BBQs for our team and the guys at Fletchers we worked with. This helped to gain confidence in the relationship and Fletchers felt comfortable calling the team at New Lynn whenever they needed anything”

Warren Twort – Business Relationship Manager - Hirepool

Because of the scale of the project and the way in which the rail trench was constructed, many items of the same piece of rental equipment were often needed at the same time, at different site locations and out of normal business hours.  

The account manager and New Lynn branch staff worked with the team at Fletchers to plan hire equipment ahead of schedule as much as possible. Knowledge of the project was shared frequently throughout the New Lynn Branch to help assure that the correct equipment was able to be sourced and available, serviced and delivered to the construction site when needed.

“The nature of the project meant many of the same items were needed at the same time. Hirepool ensured they were able to access multiple resources when the total requirements exceeded the capacity of the New Lynn branch.”

Malcolm McDonald – Project Manager – Fletcher Construction

When equipment was needed at short notice, it was either provided by the New Lynn branch or sourced from other Auckland branches and provided as quickly as possible.

“Resource was often required at short notice but Hirepool were always able to deliver. Even on night shifts that were done 5 nights a week, Hirepool were there when required.”

Malcolm McDonald – Project Manager – Fletcher Construction

A dedicated delivery driver worked throughout the duration of the project to help provide a fast and efficient service

“I got to know each of the site foremen personally, which made my job and theirs. I knew which of the 7 site gates the equipment needed to be at and when”

Danny – service driver - Hirepool

While the main support for the project came from the New Lynn branch, co-operation from all other Hirepool branches was also needed to source additional equipment when needed.

Results

The New Lynn Rail Trench was delivered significantly ahead of schedule and below budget by Fletcher Construction and its many suppliers and contractors.

“Hirepool contributed to the success of the New Lynn Rail Trench as one of the key suppliers – without good partners these projects don’t work. Hirepool’s level of service was outstanding; you were made to feel they really cared for you.”

Malcolm McDonald – Project Manager – Fletcher Construction

A strong relationship was built between Fletchers and Hirepool that will hopefully be carried on to further projects

“Long let the relationship prevail”

Malcolm McDonald – Project Manager – Fletcher Construction