Tuesday 21 October 2008
Labour Weekend activity signals start of busy summer rebuilding Auckland's rail network
ONTRACK staff and contractors will be digging deep over Labour weekend, marking the start of a busy summer as the
upgrade of Auckland's rail network continues.
The work programme includes the start of the 'underground' works in New Lynn, with the first piles being sunk for the
kilometre long rail-trench through the town centre. The massive cranes needed for this work are already on site.
The three-day holiday weekend will also see round the clock activity in Newmarket.
Auckland's rail tracks will be closed to trains along all of the western line and the southern line between Britomart
and Otahuhu during the three day period to allow the work to be done. For more information about rail-bus replacement
services, please visit www.maxx.co.nz.
ONTRACK's Project DART director, Ted Calvert says the work is programmed to minimise disruption to train users.
"Some works can only be done when we close the tracks to trains for extended periods, so we take advantage of weekends
and holidays, when passenger numbers are low. By working round the clock at these times, we can get a lot done, thus
shortening the overall duration of the project.
"We understand that our activities may be disruptive to our neighbours and thank them for their tolerance while we do
this important work."
In Newmarket work will continue on the complex new track layout in the junction area and the new station.
Work will also be underway further west at Boston Rd where a temporary station is being built for rail commuters to use
during the rebuild of the rail over-bridges on Khyber Pass and Park Rds. This will allow for double tracking,
electrification and a new permanent station.
In Avondale the first steps to building the new station and lowering the tracks for electrification will involve a major
excavation at the Crayford St level crossing.
Other maintenance activities are also planned around the wider network over the holiday period. These include:
Work on the level crossings in Mt Eden at Porters Ave and Normanby Rd. These level crossings will be closed to motorists
and pedestrians while this work is carried out - detours will be in place and clearly signposted.
ENDS