Auckland can expect faster, more reliable train journeys with the government confirming plans to complete Auckland’s Rail Network Rebuild ahead of the anticipated City Rail Link (CRL) opening.

According to Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Acting Auckland Mayor Desley Simpson, the rebuild is a crucial step toward delivering on the CRL’s promise of enhanced public transport options, with upgraded infrastructure boosting capacity and reliability.

The $200 million government-funded Rail Network Rebuild focuses on bolstering Auckland’s ageing rail system, enabling it to handle increased service demand from the CRL.

The project includes critical improvements to track foundations, drainage systems, culverts, bridges, tunnels, and signal systems, all designed to ensure dependable rail service across the network.

Work is set to be completed over the next year, with KiwiRail estimating up to 96 days of full network closures scheduled between Christmas 2024 and January 2026 to accomplish these upgrades.

These closures, while disruptive, will be strategically timed to minimise the impact on weekday commuters.

KiwiRail and Auckland Transport have committed to concentrating major work over weekends, public holidays, and late nights, allowing peak services to continue with minimal interruptions.

Acting Mayor Simpson expressed her gratitude for the government’s support, noting the planned improvements will address decades-old maintenance issues and provide the resilient rail infrastructure Auckland’s growth requires.

Both KiwiRail and Auckland Transport have pledged to keep the public informed well in advance, ensuring commuters are aware of any disruptions and available alternative routes.

Simpson also highlighted that full closures, while an inconvenience, reduce project costs by around 30%, making this necessary work more efficient and cost-effective for Aucklanders.

The CRL, scheduled to open in 2026, is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and reach of Auckland’s public transport network, a transformation that rail infrastructure improvements will help realise from day one.