All Metlink rail services will be replaced by buses over Labour Weekend (25-27 October) while KiwiRail carries out planned rail infrastructure upgrades. The work is part of preparing the network for faster and more frequent trains from 2028/2029.
KiwiRail General Manager Wellington Metro Andy Lyon says the track team is looking forward to getting another big chunk of the line improvement work under their belt. It includes slope stabilising and track replacement, bridge repairs, level crossing upgrades and more.
“The long weekend gives us another opportunity to have full, safe access to the line while affecting the smallest possible number of passengers. It means we can bring in big equipment for three days of continuous work.
“By the end of the weekend, all going to plan, we will have renewed around 1km of track on the Hutt Valley Line, replaced sleepers and carried out other essential maintenance on more than 2km of the Kāpiti Line. We hope to finish up the hill stabilising work above the Johnsonville Line near Wadestown, and will have made further progress on level crossing safety upgrades in the Wairarapa.
“This Labour Weekend we also make a start on the Ava Bridge repairs that will see the closing of the pedestrian walkway. We know the temporary loss of the walkway is a big thing for the community and we are working closely with Hutt City Council who will begin construction of a replacement at the beginning of next year.
“In the meantime, we need people to be safe - Ava Bridge will continue to have freight and passenger trains running on it day and night while we’re repairing it. We are installing fences to keep people well clear of the area. The only safe place for people to cross will be at Ewen or Waione Bridge until the new walkway is complete around the middle of 2026.
“Every time we have our crew out in force on the lines, we make a momentous difference to the long-term resilience of the network. We appreciate our work can be disruptive, and we’re grateful to the community for their patience,” Andy Lyon says.
The Wellington Metro renewal work is funded from the $143 million allocated in Budget 2025 for critical rail infrastructure renewals in Auckland and Wellington.
Passengers are encouraged to check the Metlink website or app, or call 0800 801 700 for the latest travel information.