Delays expected as Auckland's metro railway gets an upgrade
Monday, 16 September 2019
Auckland is set for transport delays as the city's worn-out metro rail network gets a makeover.
KiwiRail chief operating officer Todd Moyle said a walking inspection of all 200 kilometres of Auckland's metro network would begin this weekend, with work expected to finish by October 6.
It builds on the work started in June, when inspections uncovered parts of track that needed immediate replacement, sparking train cancellations for commuters.
The ongoing work will mean more delays, or buses replacing trains. Moyle said work will be carried out mainly at the weekend to minimise disruption.
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14 walking inspectors will cover up to 78 kilometres of railway per shift, upgrading the line where necessary.
Moyle said Auckland's rail network is increasingly busy with almost 200,000 commuter services each year, and 246 freight trains per week.
'This level of traffic, and a newer rolling stock, have created accelerated wear and tear to Auckland's metro network, in the same way that tar-seal on busy roads becomes worn over time,' he said.
'Given these additional services for the city's growing population of rail commuters, KiwiRail is committed to upgrading the rail network across Auckland.'
KiwiRail apologised in advance for transport delays. It said it works closely with Auckland Transport and Transdev to ensure the least possible disruption to commuters.