Wellington Railway Station
Since 2023, Wellington's historic railway station has undergone an exciting transformation. We've given the station a modern, computer-based signalling system and improved track layouts.
Switching to a computer-based system marks the end of an era, and makes it possible for more trains to safely move in and out of the station. It is a big part of getting our rail network ready for faster and more frequent services.
During the Christmas 2024 network shutdown, our engineers switched off the existing signalling system, completed the remaining work and then fully tested and commissioned the new system. This final stage was extremely complex and involved signalling engineers from all over the world.
The re-signalling project is funded through the New Zealand Upgrade Programme (NZUP).
Christmas 2024: All hands on deck
This year's Christmas/New Year network shutdown is the culmination of the re-signalling project. This 18-day period will see all teams mobilised, including international signalling experts.
What's involved?
- Ducting: Our civil contractor Downer dug 7km of ducts around the site to hold the 100km+ of cabling needed to connect the new system.
- Signals: Our signalling contractor Siemens installed the new signals, which were revealed in January when the old ones were removed.
- Track: We've adjusted the track layout to make it safer and reduce train conflicts.
A-box signal hut
Since 1937, the signals at Wellington Station were controlled from a signal box in the station approaches known as A-Box - the last full-time staffed signal box in the country. In here, seven signalling staff worked around the clock in shifts, using manual levers to control the movement of trains from Wellington Railway Station as far as Ngauranga. In December 2024, A-Box closed its doors for good; signalling for Wellington’s rail network is now controlled remotely from the Wallaceville train control centre.
Watch the video to see the dedicated workers of A-Box say goodbye to the manual system, or download your own A-Box information poster here: END OF AN ERA: A-Box - the last full-time staffed signal box in New Zealand
Questions?
Please contact us on:
- 0800 801 070 (daytime hours)
- 0800 801 070 extn 43042 (after hours)
- email wgtnupgrade@kiwirail.co.nz