Rail Network Rebuild
KiwiRail is undertaking a major upgrade of the Auckland rail network over the next few years, in preparation for the opening of the City Rail Link.
The City Rail Link (CRL) will allow even more frequent and convenient electric commuter trains across the city.
However, to deliver these benefits work needs to be done to remove temporary speed restrictions and raise the existing network up to a modern metro standard.
With funding from Waka Kotahi, KiwiRail has developed a programme of work – the Rail Network Rebuild - which is focussed on replacing the foundations under the tracks. We are also improving drainage in the rail corridor, to limit disruption from weather events.
This work will result in more reliable and smoother train rides across the city and is crucial to allow more frequent trains, to come with CRL.
Carrying out significant work like this on a live network that operates 24/7 is extremely difficult. For example, if we were to do this work in our current evening and weekend maintenance windows, it would take almost two decades to complete.
To get the majority of the work done before CRL opens, KiwiRail and Auckland Transport have made the difficult decision to close some rail lines, or sections of line, to electric commuter trains while this work is undertaken.
Stage 3
Stage 3 will involve work on the Western Line and the Southern Line.
Instead of closing sections of rail line for long periods of time, we are able to work in evenings, on some weekends and during holiday weekends. After initial works during Labour Weekend and the Christmas period teams moved to the Southern Line. Western Line work resumed in March. We will work during weekdays and weekends on the Western Line for about nine weeks – but we can do this while keeping one track open so that some trains can keep running.
Stage 3 is complicated and there will be some disruption as we undertake this crucial work - however it will be much less than that experienced by Auckland commuters in previous stages.
RNR Stage 3 started on Labour Weekend and is expected to continue into May2024. Alternative transport options are being provided .
- Stage 3a: Major upgrades to the Western Line between New Lynn and Newmarket, including replacing aging formation.
- Stage 3b: More minor track drainage-focused work on the Southern Line between Pukekohe and Puhinui, to improve resilience and the performance of the rail foundations in this low-lying part of the network.
- Stage 4: Papakura to Pukekohe - from May to early 2025, full upgrade and renewals works while the line remains closed for electrification. By delaying reopening the line to trains for a short time, major disruption at a later date is avoided.
Stage 3 work timing
• Labour Weekend into December 2023 – Stage 3a started.
• Early March – May 2024 – Stage 3a completion. Working between Newmarket and Fruitvale Rd. Metro trains will be able to run on one (of the two) Western Line tracks, though they will be less frequent than usual.
• Second half April – May 2024 – Stage 3b completion between Puhinui and Papakura.
Frequently Asked Questions for Stage 3 can be found here.
Stage 2 completed
Work for Stage 2 on the Eastern Line included:
- 6,932 metres of formation (the rock foundation below the track) has been excavated and replaced.
- 19,110 metres of ballast (the larger rocks the tracks sit on) has been replaced.
- 24,678 metres of drainage has been improved.
- 1,383 metres of rail and sleepers has been replaced.
- Around 130 KiwiRail staff and contractors are working on RNR Stage 2
Find out where our teams are working and what we are doing here.
What we are doing
The Rail Network Rebuild is challenging:
- Rail lines, sleepers and turnouts (which allow trains to switch between tracks) lifted away;
- Existing formation (compacted gravel that forms the base of the rail line) and ballast (the rocks the tracks sit on) dug out;
- New formation brought in and compacted to form a firm and resilient base;
- New ballast brought in and compacted
- New drainage to prevent future deterioration of the formation;
- The rails, sleepers and turnouts put back, aligned for safe and smooth train running.
This video shows how we replace the foundations under rail tracks.
Wherever possible we’ll also do proactive maintenance – such as replacing sleepers and trimming vegetation that would otherwise need to be dealt with in the coming years – and using the line closures to complete other rail related projects.
All railways require ongoing maintenance but we are thinking ahead and trying to avoid the need to come back and cause further disruption in the years ahead.
These photos illustrate some of the different types of work that go into the Rail Network Rebuild (RNR) .
Rail Network Rebuild work involves removing track and digging out the original formation (foundation), adding stabilizing mesh, putting in and compacting new formation, then replacing the rails and sleepers and then re-ballasting. This example at Sylvia Park includes adding a new crossover, which will improve flexibility on the network.
Using technology to get the job done quickly
To renew formation quickly, KiwiRail is using a range of specialist machines and technology. These include:
Panel lifter
The panel lifter can pick up and put down up to 75 metres of straight sections of track and sleepers at a time.
Stabiliser
Stabilisers shake and consolidate the track formation, to ensure new formation is stable.
Tamper
Tamper machines measure the track placement, lift it, and pack the ballast underneath to hold it in place. It helps create a smoother ride for passengers and freight.
Rail grinder
Rail grinders smooth irregularities in the tracks and restore their profile, so they last longer. It also helps to improve the ride for passenger and freight services.
Without suspending frequent commuter services, it would be impossible to safely use much of this time-saving technology.