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

Thursday, 3 September 2020

Eastern line train services are suspended for an additional two weeks as track repairs continue. (File photo)

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

Passengers were meant to be back on board the trains on Monday, but the line will now reopen on September 21.

The trains are not running between Parnell and Westfield.

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

KiwiRail in 2020 released footage of near misses with trains.

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KiwiRail chief operating officer Todd Moyle said it had made a “good start”, with 1000 sleepers replaced and close to six kilometres of new rail laid so far.

KiwiRail workers fit new rails to track on the Manukau line in south Auckland.

“We’re bringing in teams from across the North Island to help get this job done as quickly as possible,” he said.

“Allowing KiwiRail around the clock access to the track over a four-week period is an efficient and productive way of working and enables our teams to keep momentum and get through a larger amount of work.”

Moyle said KiwiRail acknowledged the “disruption” and “frustration” the work had caused for passengers.

Auckland Transport’s Mark Lambert said the council-controlled organisation shares customers’ frustrations and disappointment that the works on the Eastern Line will continue for another two weeks.

“However, this work by KiwiRail is urgently needed and we will continue to support our customers with bus replacement services and other support for as long as we need to.”

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

Moyle anticipates the speed reduction will be progressively lifted as the repair work is carried out.

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.

However, Consultant Opus estimated nearly $200 million worth of repairs and future-proofing is needed over four years to be ready for another step-up in services when the City Rail Link opens in 2024.

Further information on replacement bus services is available on Auckland Transport’s website and its AT Mobile app.