Auckland’s rail network will be closed this weekend to allow major works associated with the ongoing upgrade of stations and electrification of the rail network.
Replacement rail bus services will be provided during the closure and special timetables will be in place for them. For full details go to www.maxx.conz Details are also available at stations.
Works are generally scheduled to minimise disruption to peak-hour commuter services and carried out at weekends, public holidays and evenings when there are usually fewer people travelling.
Saturday 14 July and Sunday 15 July – full network closure
Works taking place in the weekend include general track maintenance; graffiti removal, vegetation control and drilling for relocating of utility cables Some work will involve diggers and rock breaking at times during the day and night.
In preparation for electric trains, at various points on the southern line, there will be construction of foundations and potholing for masts to run electric wires as well as earthing and bonding to ready station platforms for electric trains.
On-going redevelopment works at Papakura station include demolishing existing structures on the island platform and excavation and drainage work.
At Orakei, construction of two retaining walls under the bridge for the Orakei basin walkway is continuing. When completed in August, the 170m long walkway will extend the current walkway from under the rail bridge to the station footbridge.
At the new Mountain Road bridge KiwiRail will be doing some finishing works and landscaping in the area.
While, along the Western line, overhead wires will be installed from Baldwin Station to New Lynn Station. Also at New Lynn, new canopies will be fitted along the platform offering more weather protection for passengers.
For more details on the upgrade of the rail network visit www.kiwirail.co.nz.