Jacobs to provide construction phase services for Central Interceptor Project in New Zealand

Watercare, New Zealand’s largest water and wastewater utility, has extended Jacob’s role in the Central Interceptor (CI) wastewater tunnel project in Auckland, New Zealand.

Since 2014, Jacobs has been serving as the professional engineering advisor for the CI project, delivering design services.

Jacobs’ role has been extended to now include construction management and design support services for the construction phase of the CI project.

The CI project is expected to commence in mid this year and continue through 2025.

Jacobs Buildings, Infrastructure and Advanced Facilities COO and president Bob Pragada said: “The appointment builds on our 20-year working relationship with Watercare. Our appointment is testament to the way our team has worked with Watercare and our subconsultant partners to deliver value during previous stages, and our ability to assemble a global team with extensive experience in the construction of deep tunnel water conveyance systems.”

Intended to gather and provide sewage and combined sewage overflows, the CI tunnel will operate around 13kms from Western Springs to the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant.

It is claimed to be the largest ever wastewater project undertaken in New Zealand.

This new tunnel is expected to cut down the volume of wet-weather overflows by 80%.

Watercare executive programme director Shayne Cunis said: “The Central Interceptor is the largest capital project Watercare have ever undertaken.

“Jacobs’ ability to mobilize a talented global team to Auckland and apply lessons learned from similar projects undertaken in London, Singapore and the UAE, was critical to our continuation with them for the next stage of the project.”

In New Zealand, Jacobs employs over 400 people across four offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.

It offers a range of technical and professional services in power, water, buildings and infrastructure, transport and environmental and spatial planning sectors.