The long Easter weekend will see Auckland’s entire passenger rail network shut down for essential work.
The KiwiRail team will be carrying out much-needed maintenance and making significant progress on its major projects.
“The extended access, without passenger trains running, allows us to get a huge amount of work done over a short period of time. It is a much more productive and efficient way of working, which allows us to progress projects faster and carry out more regular maintenance than we could do at weekends or in the evenings, “explains KiwiRail Chief Operations Officer Siva Sivapakkiam. “We thank travellers for their patience.”
Buses will replace trains from the evening of 6 April, with commuter trains resuming on the morning of 11 April.
Auckland Transport’s Group Manager of Metro Services, Darek Koper, says AT understands the closure may cause some inconveniences and thanks Aucklanders for their understanding and patience.
“When completed, these large-scale rail projects will boost network efficiency, reduce journey times and extend the network to increase public transport options,” Mr Koper says.
Rail work over the long weekend includes three major NZ Upgrade Projects (Wiri to Quay Park/Third Main, Papakura – Pukekohe electrification, and Southern Stations); KiwiRail and Link Alliance continuing track works at Waitematā (Britomart), Newmarket and Maungawhau/Mount Eden – to support the City Rail Link (CRL); continuing work on Stage 2 of the Rail Network Rebuild and further repairs to a slip on the Western Line.
Network readiness for completion of the CRL (expected at the end of 2025) is essential to maximise its efficiency and effectiveness. Combined, these rail projects will deliver a much improved, more reliable railway for Aucklanders.
General maintenance, which is needed to keep trains running, will include replacing worn rail and sleepers, while track maintenance machines – tampers, ballast cleaners and rail grinders – will be operating across the wider network. Most of the work will be done during the day, but some sites will continue into the night. Maintenance machines may also work both day and night.
To keep New Zealand’s supply chain functioning, KiwiRail will continue running freight services in Auckland.
For more information on the block of line closures, our Rail Network Rebuild and other major projects, please visit:
https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/our-network/our-regions/amp/upcoming-work/
https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/service-announcements/planned-rail-closures/
ENDS