Current Construction Activities

Auckland's rail network is being upgraded to enable more frequent and reliable commuter services, and prepare for electrification in time for the delivery of Auckland's new electric trains.

Christmas 2012-Summer 2013

KiwiRail will be busy across the network this Christmas and over the summer months, improving Auckland's rail network and preparing it for electrification.

ELECTRIFICATION WORKS:

Installation of masts and overhead wires, and earthing works at stations. The key priority is to get the wires strung on the busiest part of the network between Westfield and Papakura

Bridge screens – These are important safety screens that will go up on pedestrian and road bridges to prevent accidental contact with the overhead wires.

BRITOMART/ QUAY PARK:

We are completing major track rearrangement to give greater flexibility for train operations. At present the track is set up so that trains coming from around the waterfront can access three platforms, and trains coming from Newmarket (the majority of the traffic) can only access the other two. Once completed, the new track layout will allow trains from both main lines to access all platforms, and run on either of the two tracks in and out of Britomart. This will provide greater flexibility in train movements by allowing for:

faster recovery from operating incidents – such as a train break-down or signalling outages
fewer delays as trains will not have to wait to get into the station
timetable improvements as it will increase the number of trains that can come in and out of the station every hour

OTAHUHU JUNCTION

The tracks and signalling at the junction will be re-arranged so as to improve the movement of passenger and freight trains. At present, the fright trains travelling in and out of Westfield yard run at a reduced speed of 25kmh. KiwiRail plans to develop a third main line to provide more capacity on the very busy track between Westfield and Papakura – the section where southbound freight trains come on and off the Southern line from Westfield freight terminal.

The track leading into and out of Westfield Yard will be upgraded to allow trains to run faster. The signalling will be rearranged and the track put into its final alignment for the third main so that the traction masts and wires can be installed without having to change later when the third main is built between Middlemore and Wiri.

The works will minimise delays for commuter trains in this area by enabling freight services to come on or off the main lines at faster speeds.

PAPAKURA STATION

The first stage of works on the island platform will be completed, and new track laid. When the station reopens after Christmas, commuters will be back to using the main platforms for both north and south-bound trains, and line speeds for non-stopping trains will be back to normal. The final phase, which includes the construction of the freight/Express bypass track and fourth platform (platform 1), will be completed by Easter 2013.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

Sleeper replacement, track de-stressing and track freeze, tamping, welding, joint removals, drainage, graffiti and vegetation control.

OTHER AGENCIES

Mt Albert Station upgrade by Auckland Transport - More information at www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz The Point Resolution bridge rebuild by Auckland Council - More information at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz The Newmarket Viaduct above the rail tracks at St Marks Road, by NZTA - More information at www.nzta.govt.nz

Forthcoming closures on the rail network

Please note during the Christmas/New Year period, full/partial closures are required for up to four weeks on all lines to enable to carry out these major works associated with the ongoing upgrade and electrification of Auckland's rail network. For information on train and bus replacement timetables during this time please visit AT.co.nz

We appreciate your patience as we continue to work to upgrade Auckland's rail network.

Contact Us

For general enquiries about our activities, email kiwirail@kiwirail.co.nz

If you are directly affected by or have any questions or concerns about our construction activities, please phone (09) 270 4404 .

If you have questions about public transport services please call AT on (09) 366 6400 or visit www.at.co.nz