13 January, 2011
Major work on Wellington rail network completed
Major works were completed on the Wellington rail network while most New Zealanders were enjoying the holiday break.
Hundreds of railway staff and contractors worked around the clock on programmes to improve and maintain the rail
network.
“KiwiRail is extremely grateful for the tolerance of commuters, and residents living near where the works were taking
place. We were able to take full advantage of the line closures and complete works to improve our infrastructure. At the
end of the day we invest in the work so that the reliability of our services is improved and we can offer our customers
a better experience,” says General Manager Rick van Barneveld.
“Despite some challenging weather during the works, some good progress was made, including some significant work on the
upgrade of Kenepuru Station and major work on tunnel two on the Kapiti Line.”
“Staff worked hard to complete the works, some of which included activities on difficult to access infrastructure that
could not have been done with passenger trains running.”
The work included upgrading tunnel two on the North Island Main Trunk (NIMT), replacing overhead wiring and poles south
of Paekakariki, removal of overgrown vegetation, the installation of drainage culverts, upgrades to Kenepuru station and
slope stabilisation work.
The work on tunnel two included the installation of 4.4 km of new rail, 6,500 concrete sleepers and 3000 m3 of new
ballast (line foundation material).
“This work alone is a significant achievement and the completion of it significantly contributes to our ongoing
programme of improving the rail network so the reliability of our services increases.”
Following the works there is currently a speed restriction on for around 4.5 km on the Kapiti line through tunnel two,
which will limit how fast trains can travel for a short period of time.
“Until we get some tonnage over the new tracks to ensure they have settled in, we need to drive at restricted speed in
some sections. In about a week, we’ll be up to a new faster line speed and we thank passengers for their patience during
this time.
The Kenepuru Station upgrade is due to be completed as scheduled on 24 January. The upgrade works include resurfacing of
both platforms, the refurbishment of the southbound platform frontage and upgrading the main access path on the
southbound side to prevent erosion.
ENDS