Naenae Station: Subway Upgrades
Description
The upgraded Naenae subway was designed to provide a safe, modern entry to the train station and an improved pedestrian connection to Avalon.
Design Process and Public Feedback
Public consultation was done in the first half of 2022, to ensure that local stakeholders had an opportunity to provide input into the design and revitalization of the subway. Further to this consultation and in light of design considerations, some updates have been made to the proposed designs.
Surface and flooring cosmetic upgrade
New floor surfaces will be easier to clean and create a fresh look and feel in the tunnel. Metlink Lime Green was proposed for the floor surface but has been changed to the darker Metlink Blue to reduce the appearance of wear and tear.
Increased CCTV coverage
More cameras will be installed to provide greater security coverage in the tunnel and accessways.
Public announcement system
A PA system will be integrated into the lighting.
Entry canopies
Canopies will cover entries into the subway for greater visibility and wayfinding. The proposed design has been refined to a simpler structure with lighting added to provide light at the entrance to stairs and ramps.
Illuminated handrails, improved stair surface, entrance canopy
Illuminated handrails, improved tunnel surface, improved wayfinding
Cultural designs
Baked Design continues to provide cultural designs for use within the subway. They have provided a range of linear and feature patterns for use as wall details, pelmet façade decal and projected imagery.
Items Outside Scope of the Project
Unfortunately, the following items are not within the scope of this cosmetic upgrade:
- Security patrolling throughout the subway.
- Construction of an overpass/bridge in lieu of the subway.
- Re-grading of the access ramp.
Entry portals
Portals are now fully installed with operational CCTV, LED lighting and vinyl lettering
Walls and ceilings
Walls are now fully rendered and waterproofed, with final paint occurring to the last wall inside the subway.
Pelmet lighting
Pelmets are fully installed on the northern side of the tunnel, and install is underway on the southern side. This will be complete by late August.
Flooring upgrade
The majority of subway floors have been ground back to prepare for the application of flooring product. High friction flooring product will be applied progressively through August.
Handrails
Illuminated handrails are now installed on ramps and stairs. Full length non-illuminated handrails will also be added to the subway tunnel once wall and floor upgrades are finished in August.
Cultural imagery
Cultural panelling and landscape murals will be sandblasted into the ramp walls later in August.
Delays and Issues
There have been steady cases of vandalism against pieces of work already completed – examples include spraypainting of walls, scratching and removal of render before it is dry, and deliberate spilling of plaster/concrete through the subway. Unfortunately, this means contractors need to spend time with repairs and rework, which has contributed to delays in work being completed against the original schedule.
Regular instances of poor, antisocial and threatening behaviour towards contractors on site has occurred, including intimidation and abuse. These occurrences often lead to contractors temporarily leaving the site for their safety, and contributes to delays in work completion.
Significant inclement weather has sometimes impacted on the use of powered equipment in the subway, or the completion of electrical works.
Metlink is incredibly appreciative of the patience and understanding being shown by the vast majority of users. Our aim is to deliver an upgraded asset that allows for safer, more enjoyable thoroughfare and use of public transport into the future.