Project

Auckland Rail Network Rebuild

PROJECT STATUS
Under Delivery
Auckland Rail Network Rebuild

The Auckland Rail Network Rebuild project comprises the upgrade of the Auckland rail network in preparation for the opening of the City Rail Link (CRL) which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. 

The scope of work includes:

  • removing the rail lines, sleepers and turnouts
  • digging out the existing formation and ballast
  • installing a new formation
  • installing a new ballast
  • installing new drainage formation to prevent future deterioration, and
  • reinstalling the rails, sleepers and turnouts.

To deliver these upgrades, the rail network will be closed sequentially and the project delivered in sections as follows:

  • Southern and Onehunga Lines - Otahuhu to Newmarket (Stage One)
  • Eastern Line (Stage Two)
  • Southern Line - Pukekohe to Papakura
  • Southern Line - Papakura to Puhinui
  • Southern Line - Puhinui to Otahuhu
  • Western Line
  • Manukau Branch Line, and 
  • Newmarket Line, though work will likely commence in this section following the opening of CRL.

Key Dates

Oct 2022 Project Announcement
Jan 2023 Construction Commencement: Southern and Onehunga Lines
Mar 2023 Construction Completion: Southern and Onehunga Lines
Mar 2023 Construction Commencement: Eastern Line
Jan 2024 Expected Construction Completion: Eastern Line
Dec 2024 Expected Construction Completion

Funding contributions

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Procurement

Procuring Agency: KiwiRail

PROJECT HISTORY

Oct 2022 KiwiRail announced the project and allocated NZ$330 million to the project, with work to commence in early 2023 on the Southern Line between Ōtāhuhu and Newmarket and the Onehunga Line.
Jan 2023 Construction commenced for Stage One of the project, with the Southern and Onehunga Lines from Otahuhu to Newmarket closed and works expecting to be completed in late March. This is the first of what will be sequential closures to the rail network to deliver the rebuild.
Mar 2023 Stage One of the project completed construction, with Southern and Onehunga Lines from Otahuhu to Newmarket reopening for use.
Mar 2023 Stage Two of the project commenced construction, with the Eastern Line closing between Britomart and Ōtāhuhu. Works are expected to be completed in Janurary 2024.
Estimated Total Cost
(2022)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
New Zealand |
Resources
Media releases
2022/10/03