CMJ - Stage 1 Delivery

Goodbye from Freeflow

Project Delivery

The Freeflow alliance was the same team that successfully delivered the Grafton Gully Project, New Zealand's first ever project alliance.

Together with project owner, Transit New Zealand, three other organisations made up the Freeflow alliance: Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner, Fletcher Construction and Higgins Contractors.

Under the umbrella of Freeflow, the alliancing approach connects all parties involved in the Stage 1 project in a true partnering spirit with each party sharing the risks and rewards of the project. This results in one team that is totally committed to a win/win outcome, as opposed to individual teams who simply work together on the same project.

Alliance partners signing the contract

About Freeflow

In December 2001, Freeflow was established to deliver the Grafton Gully Project, which has since been successfully completed. In September 2002, Stage 1 of the Central Motorway Junction project was also awarded to Freeflow. The four organisations that made up the alliance played a critical role in ensuring that the project was innovative, efficient and cost-effective.

All members take collective ownership of the project risks and rewards with incentives provided to encourage outstanding performance. There are also penalties if performance is below standard.

Goals and benefits

A project alliance provides:

• a totally integrated high performance team
• collective responsibility
• an appropriate framework
• outstanding performance and win/win outcomes

The alliance draws on the resources of all members to provide "best-for-project" outcomes. This results in improved performance across the board - from reduced traffic disruptions to early completion.

Alliance members

The four organisations that made up the Freeflow alliance brought with them a range of expertise required to make the project an outstanding success.

	As the owner of the project, Transit set the objectives and was responsible for funding the project.
	Design specialists with expertise in geometrics, traffic, geotechnical issues, bridges, retaining walls, roading and environmental management.
	Project management and construction skills as well as expertise in retaining walls, bridges, earthworks and drainage.
	Construction specialists with strong skills in roading, pavement and traffic management.

The Freeflow Team

The Freeflow team comprised over 200 people including design engineers, construction engineers, machinery operators, carpenters, administration staff and labourers. The team was headed by the Alliance Management Team (AMT) which was responsible for planning and implementing all activity. AMT members are introduced below.

	Alliance Project Manager - John Burden John provided overall leadership and management to ensure project requirements, objectives and targets were met. He was involved in all aspects including cost, quality, traffic management, consent compliance and the overall well-being of the alliance team.
	Transit Liaison Manager - Craig Turner An important link between Transit and the Freeflow team, Craig was responsible for obtaining Transit approvals. In addition, he maintained effective communication channels with all Transit departments, TranzRail, utility service companies and key stakeholders (such as Auckland City, ARC).
	Design Manager - Alan Powell Alan managed the design team and had overall responsibility for project design. He ensured that the design met project objectives and was delivered on time and within budget. He also maintained the link between the design team and the construction team.
	Construction Manager - Andy O'Sullivan The construction manager worked closely with project engineers from all areas of the project to keep things on track and ensure construction works took place in accordance with the programme, budget, and other parameters set out for the project.
	Stakeholder Manager - Leif Klaassen With a real focus on stakeholders and the wider community, Leif's team kept people well informed about the progress of the project and any changes, or issues that may have affected them. Transit is committed to developing and maintaining secure relationships with stakeholders.
	Environmental Manager - Letitia Drury Letitia's role was integral in the implementation, and enforcement, of compliance with project consent conditions. She was also responsible for resolving any environmental issues that arose, and aimed for a win/win outcome for both the project and the environment. Communication with the Auckland Regional Council was also part of Letitia's responsibility.
	Traffic Operations Manager - David Philip With traffic management as one of the key issues for the project, David helped provide safe and efficient temporary traffic and pedestrian access. He prepared traffic management plans for the different construction activities and kept some 200,000 vehicles a day flowing through the construction zone with minimum disruption.
	Health & Safety Manager - Jay Lauten In his role, Jay maintained a focus on health and safety for all team members. He ensured that all staff were informed about these matters and follow the Health & Safety Management Plans. His responsibility also included the updating of hazard identification and control.
	Quality Manager - Trevor Hay Trevor maintained the project's quality system ensuring that all activities were in accordance with the agreed specifications. Important aspects of his role involved the auditing process and Health and Safety systems.
	Administration Manager - Johanes Gouw Johanes provided administrative support for the Freeflow team and looked after financial activities including invoicing and claims processing. He prepared cost information and presented it to Transit.