This project involves building a third main line to separate out freight from passenger trains in several locations on Auckland's metro network, including:
- Westfield and Wiri junctions
- Middlemore to Wiri, and
- Quay Park.
The work at Westfield and Wiri junctions will improve how they connect between the rail yards, EMU depot and the main line.
Between Middlemore to Wiri, an additional track will be constructed on the western side. Middlemore Station will also undergo changes, including a new platform and overbridges.
The project will also see the separation of freight and commuter trains near Quay Park in the city, so the slower freight trains will not hinder commuter services.
Further, some areas of the rail corridor requires additional land to ensure new rail infrastructure for a third main line can be accommodated. This work is also included as part of the project.
Key Dates
| Aug 2020 | Contract Award |
| 2020 | Construction Commencement |
| 2024 | Expected Construction Completion |
Funding contributions
| NZ Government |
Procurement
| Procuring Agency: | KiwiRail |
| Successful Tenderer: | Downer NZ |
PROJECT HISTORY
| Dec 2016 | WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff completed a business case for Wiri to Westfield in December 2016, which found a Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) for the project between 1.5 and 2.3. |
| Apr 2018 | Westfield to Wiri section was included in the April 2018 ATAP report, as a recommended transport investment priority over the ten years from 2018 to 2028. |
| May 2018 | The draft Regional Land Transport Plan released in May 2018 listed Wiri to Quay Park as a proposed Funded Program. |
| Jan 2020 | New Zealand Government indicated that the project will be allocated funding of NZ$315 million. The project will be funded as part of the Government's NZ$12 billion NZ Upgrade Program. |
| Aug 2020 | The New Zealand Government, through KiwiRail, awarded the contract for the NZ$315 million (A$290 million) Westfield to Papakura Third Main Line project to Downer NZ. Separately, the New Zealand Government announced the commencement of enabling works for the project. |
| Mar 2021 | The 2021-31 investment package of the Auckland Transport Alignment Project included Wiri to Quay Park Third Main Line as a fully funded commitment. |
| Apr 2023 | The only remaining section to be complete is track construction between the south of Middlemore Station to just north of Middlemore. |
