1 November 2006

125 years on: double tracks for Henderson

The official opening of Henderson train station today with 2kms of double tracks laid by national rail network provider ONTRACK through Henderson and a sharp new access airbridge, takes the development of Auckland's rail network a further step forward and marks 125 years since rail first came to Henderson, said Acting Chief Executive of the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA), Elena Trout. Ms Trout said the remodelled station complex for Henderson was a joint effort between ARTA, Waitakere City Council and ONTRACK.

"ARTA is responsible for above track works such as station facilities, Waitakere City has built the bridge with help from Land Transport New Zealand and ONTRACK, through a generous central government contribution of $600 million in 2005 to help Auckland progress the development of its rail network, is responsible for below track works.

"The station is being officially opened today in partnership by Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey with the attendance of three previous Mayors of Waitakere, ARTA and ONTRACK. A number of ex railway workers will also be in attendance at the event including the first serviceman to leave for the war from Henderson Railway Station, in 1939", said Ms Trout.

Chief Executive of ONTRACK, David George said, "Henderson Station is part of a larger project funded by Central Government to upgrade Auckland's rail infrastructure. The $600 million dollars being invested by government will help upgrade Auckland's rail to meet the rapidly increasing demand for train services by Aucklanders and enable ARTA to supply more train services as well as ensure greater reliability of the track".

Mr George said the Henderson station development represented "A $10 million dollar investment by ONTRACK through central government's contribution. The spend includes platforms, almost 2 kilometres of new double tracking, signaling, a new bridge across Henderson Valley Road and improved pedestrian crossings at Corbans crossing and Mt Lebanon Lane.

Mr George said central government's $600 million contribution was the largest investment in rail infrastructure in New Zealand for twenty years.

Mayor of Waitakere City, Bob Harvey said it was significant that this year marked "the 125th anniversary since rail came to Henderson. The railway track reached Henderson in 1881. Now in 2006 we are seeing a very strong revitalization and resurgence in the use of rail by Aucklanders.

"Aucklanders have been starved for decades of the public transport infrastructure and services that other comparable international cities have enjoyed. Now that transport organizations and councils in Auckland are working together to provide it, the evidence that Aucklanders will use it, is right in front of us," said Mr Harvey.

ARTA is Auckland's central transport agency and is responsible for the integrated planning, funding and implementation of all modes of public transport throughout the Auckland region, walking and cycling and for the management of funding and prioritisation for Auckland's arterial roading network.

Auckland Regional Transport Authority 09 379 4422 www.arta.govt.nz

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