Ōtāhuhu Provides Glimpse Of CRL’s Future

The end of work to future ready the Ōtāhuhu Station for a modernised rail network when the City Rail Link opens was celebrated formally today (30 November 2020) at the south Auckland station.

Improvements include construction of a third platform and passenger access at the station, 1.3 kilometres of new track alongside the main south line, four new cross-overs to allow trains to switch between tracks, signals and a new overhead line to power trains.  

The third platform helps unlock Auckland’s existing rail network to provide additional capacity to allow trains to run more frequently and more quickly when CRL opens in late 2024.

“Ōtāhuhu gives Aucklanders a glimpse of their transport future and the world class rail network they’ll love to use once CRL opens,” says City Rail Link Ltd’s Chief Executive, Dr Sean Sweeney.

Auckland’s Mayor, Phil Goff, led the celebrations, describing the Ōtāhuhu works as a $50 million investment in the city’s transport network.

“As well as the immediate benefits for Ōtāhuhu Station users, the third platform helps unlock Auckland’s existing rail network to provide additional capacity to allow trains to run more frequently and more quickly when the City Rail Link opens in late 2024.

Ōtāhuhu is a construction collaboration involving KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and its contractor, Libbet Ltd, and City Rail Link Ltd.

Dr Sweeney says Ōtāhuhu demonstrates the importance of collaboration.   

“CRL is huge and it’s complex involving many, many people and companies, and showing how well we can work together is a big influence on the delivery of a successful project.”