Rail Network Rebuild announcement

Over the next few years KiwiRail will carry out major upgrades to rail lines across Auckland, paving the way for more frequent commuter trains when City Rail Link (CRL) opens. 

Known as the Rail Network Rebuild, the work includes removing and replacing the rock foundations under the tracks. Carrying out significant work like this on a live network is extremely difficult and to get the majority of the work done before CRL opens, sections of rail lines across the city need to be temporarily closed between January 2023 and 2025.

Much of the rail network as possible will remain open. While KiwiRail work on a section, trains will keep running on all other parts of the network.

For details of the work involved visit the KiwiRail webpage.

Information on alternate transport options during line closures will be available at: www.AT.govt.nz/RailRebuild

Why this work needs to be done

The rock foundations under Auckland’s rail network are up to 150 years old. Wear and tear over time has caused track faults and drainage problems.

KiwiRail will be:

• removing rails and sleepers

• replacing the foundations (formation and ballast)

• fixing drainage issues

• putting the rails and sleepers back in.

The outcome

Once KiwiRail has finished this work:

• temporary speed restrictions on trains can be removed

• trains will be more reliable and punctual

• there will be fewer shutdowns as KiwiRail and AT will work to introduce a proactive maintenance management of Auckland’s rail network.