Bringing electric trains to Pukekohe
The Government has granted $419 million to extend the electrification of Auckland’s metro rail network from Papakura to Pukekohe. This means people travelling from Pukekohe will no longer need to switch trains at Papakura and will enjoy faster, quieter and cleaner journeys in modern electric trains.
By encouraging people to use public transport rather than private vehicles, electrifying more of the network will reduce carbon emissions.
The project is:
- extending the overhead power system from Papakura to Pukekohe
- upgrading the existing track, signals and level crossings across this 19km section of the Southern Line
- redeveloping Pukekohe Station.
Electrifying the line
To electrify the railway, we have been installing Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) alongside and above the existing track.
From Pukekohe to Papakura over 800 mast structures, including 472 masts and 381 bridges/ booms, have been installed to support close to 130km of overhead electric line to power electric trains.
The final OLE installation and energisation was completed during the Matariki weekend network closure and since then, the first electric test train has travelled down to Pukekohe Station.
The line will remain closed for passenger trains until January 2025 as the project moves from construction to the testing and commissioning phase.
During this time, the Rail Network Rebuild (RNR) will carry out crucial work on the same section of the Southern Line while the line is closed. This work will improve reliability and enable more frequent trains across Auckland.
Stay safe, stay away
There are many benefits to electrification of the track, but overhead electric lines carry 25,000 volts of electricity - this is 100 times more powerful than the electricity in your home.
Electricity can arc (jump) across gaps or pass through objects and water. If you come too close, or touch these lines, it will cause serious injury or death.
Never try to touch the lines, throw anything at them or dangle items from bridges above them.
If you have children, make them aware of the dangers. Never play with kites, balloons or other high reaching items near overhead lines.
A height restriction of 5 meters is now in place at all level crossings and is clearly signposted. Motorists in vehicles or towing loads that exceed these restrictions should choose an alternative route or contact us on 04 474 2323 for advice.
If you live next to the rail tracks:
- Be aware of your distance from the lines if you are working at your property boundary. Always keep at least a 4 metre distance.
- Be careful when water blasting at your boundary – direct the water down.
You may require a KiwiRail permit if:
- You want to trim a tree on your property and are concerned it may come into contact with the lines or infrastructure.
- You want to construct scaffold within 8 metres of the lines.
- If you plan to use machinery with moving parts and might encroach on the minimum 4 metre distance.
For more information about permits, email us at nationalpermits@kiwirail.co.nz
Redeveloping Pukekohe Station
KiwiRail is working closely with Auckland Transport to build a modern public transport interchange in Pukekohe.
To make room for the modern passenger facilities, the original Pukekohe Railway Station building was moved to Matangi, near Hamilton, where it will be restored and become part of a historic precinct.
Introducing electric trains to Pukekohe Station will mean more services and longer trains. A new platform layout was built to accommodate longer trains. Initially platforms will serve six-car trains with an option to extend them to nine-car trains in the future.
New structures have been installed to support the overhead lines and the track layout has been changed to allow for trains to pass easily and safely through the station area.
A new stabling yard has also been built for the new electric trains.
Keeping commuters moving
Pukekohe Station is expected to reopen in mid-January 2025.
As there is currently no Pukekohe to Papakura train service, bus replacements are in place. This is so the electrification project and the Rail Network Rebuild can be completed safely and on time.
Expect trains at any time in either direction on this section of rail however as freight and other inter-regional services still run.
For information about the bus services, visit AT's webpage.
Keeping in touch with our neighbours
We understand our work is likely to cause some disturbance for people living and working along the rail corridor. We will work to both minimise impacts and give our neighbours notice of works so they can plan around them. The machinery we use can create noise, vibration and dust. At times we use lights for safety, these are visible during night work.
When we have major works near you we will:
- Share our plans and progress
- Ensure you can reach us with your questions
- Work during the day whenever possible
- Work as quickly and quietly as we can.
Got a query about rail construction in your area?
We will work to keep disturbance to a minimum and appreciate your patience as we carry out this work.
Upgrading the rail network is a challenging project. It is important we keep our work crew, neighbours and rail users safe during construction. We do as much as possible without disrupting rail services, but some work can only be done when no trains are running. We aim to find a balance that minimises overall disruption for rail customers and our neighbours.
Please contact us on 0800 801 070 (after hours extn 43042) or email us at contactus@kiwirail.co.nz To receive future work notifications by email, please contact us with your details (including your physical address) or regularly visit our current work sites page.