An ARTA press release advises that over the upcoming Labour weekend there will be no trains on the Southern or Western Lines, so that some big upgrades to the rail network can be undertaken. There is some good detail in the media release about what works will actually be undertaken:
Buses replace trains as work to upgrade Auckland’s rail network continues this Labour Weekend
As Aucklanders enjoy the first long weekend of the spring season, extensive work to upgrade the rail network will continue around the region. In order to allow works by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) and KiwiRail to take place, buses will replace trains on the Southern and Western Lines from Saturday 24 October until Monday 26 October.
Buses will operate in place of trains on the Southern Line between Britomart and Otahuhu (via Newmarket South) throughout the duration of the weekend. On the Western Line, buses will replace trains between Britomart and Waitakere on Saturday 24 and Monday 26 October and between Britomart and New Lynn on Sunday 25 October.
ARTA’s General Manager Customer Services, Mark Lambert says “There’s lots of action this Labour weekend to continue the enhancement of Auckland’s rail network to deliver improved services and facilities for passengers in the future.
“ARTA is starting initial work on the upgrade to Kingsland rail station, a key station for the Rugby World Cup, and KiwiRail will be working on the Sandringham Road overbridge in preparation for electrification.”
“Further electrification works will take place on Mt Eden Road, and at Avondale work on the new station will be progressed.
“In Newmarket new beams essential to the reconstruction of the Remuera Road overbridge will be installed and track work on Khyber Pass Road will continue.”
Customers should look for RAIL BUS signs at affected stations for directions to rail bus stops. Normal train fares apply for the entire journey.
“This is an important period of development for Auckland’s rail network and we thank passengers for their patience whilst these key advances are being made” Mr Lambert said.
In particular it is good seeing some further works that relate to electrification. Which reminds me, I wonder when we will be hearing more about how many trains Auckland will be getting?
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