Auckland's Eastern line trains suspended for two weeks for track repairs

Thursday, 20 August 2020

Eastern line rail services in Auckland will be suspended for two weeks for track repairs and replacements.

The line will be closed for passengers travelling between Britomart in the CBD and Ōtāhuhu in south Auckland from August 24 until September 7.

The work, which is being carried out by KiwiRail, involves repairing and replacing 100km of worn tracks across the Auckland metro network.

“We recognise this will be frustrating for rail passengers, and apologise for the disruption, however these necessary works will ultimately mean a better rail network to support the services people rely on,” KiwiRail group chief executive Greg Miller said.

**READ MORE:

* Auckland rail disruption: Mystery damage to train tracks a 'real concern'

* Auckland trains to run at half speed for six months due to urgent track repairs

* Further but declining disruption for Auckland rail commuters

**

“Closing the track for an extended period like this minimises overall disruption to commuters and corridor neighbours, as it allows far greater productivity for our teams.”

The work that will be done during the two-week closure would take more than 100 days if done only at night and on weekends, Miller said.

Track speeds across the Auckland network were previously lowered to 40kmh after testing indicated wear on the tracks was more widespread than previously thought.

The work is part of a $1 billion programme to modernise the Auckland metro network and prepare it for the growth that will come with the City Rail Link.

Investigations are underway to figure out what the cause of the rapid degradation of the rails in Auckland was, Miller said, as it wasn’t being seen elsewhere on the network.

“This work will permit a return to higher speeds and shorter travel times for our customers compared to the current reduced speeds as quickly as possible,” Auckland Transport’s Mark Lambert said.

“The extent of the closure is disappointing and impact on customers during these works is acknowledged.

“I can relate to this as a user of the Eastern Line, however, progressing with the works now and with urgency will create the least disruption overall.”

Auckland Transport will be putting on buses to replace trains while the works are underway.

Further information will be available on the Auckland Transport website and the AT Mobile app.