KiwiRail’s last newsletter before Christmas describes some of the work that is going to be taking place on Auckland’s rail network over the summer break. The entire rail network will be closed down for quite some time, with all of the network closed until January 9th and much of the network (the eastern line and the southern line, south of Otahuhu) closed until January 16th.
I’m looking forward to seeing the first ‘traction masts’ go up around Baldwin Ave station. It should create a bit of news as the first really visible signs of the rail electrification project.
But perhaps more importantly, during the summer break there will be a signalling upgrade around Britomart station that will allow trains to run in either direction on either of the two tracks. That should add enough extra capacity to Britomart to allow a couple more trains per hour at the peak time to run on the network – therefore making it possible to improve peak frequencies on the Western Line from four trains per hour to six trains per hour.
I’m going to try to get out and about over the holiday period to take some photos of the upgrades happening around Auckland. More detail on what’s being done where can be found here.
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Once we actually see the masts starting to go up I think we will start to see a bit of push back on it as while they have been talking about electrification for a while most people probably don’t realise it is actually happening. The biggest issue will be those near the rail lines who won’t like masts near in their view. For me though it will be exciting to see some visible progress and I’m looking forward to seeing the masts marching on.
If I lived close to the lines, I will rather be looking at the masts/lines, than having to hear the diesel units and breathe the diesel fumes.
I live next to the lines, my bedroom is about 10 metres from the Western Line and I say bring on electrification!
Ignorant question, but are they running full bus replacement services over this period?
Certainly my understanding is that they are.
Full details are here.
http://www.maxx.co.nz/info/service-disruptions/christmas-holiday-timetables/christmas-holiday-train-timetables.aspx
Timely, as oil surges through $90 a barrel
So the closedown means no rail to the cricket on Sunday?
You are correct no trains, but there are replacement trains.
More details can be found on http://maxx.co.nz/info/events/boxing-day-twenty20-cricket.aspx
Cheers :).