Media release: 2 February 2012
Auckland’s rail network will be closed this Waitangi Weekend to allow major works associated with the ongoing upgrade of stations and electrification of the rail network.
Dates: Saturday 4, Sunday 5 and Monday 6 February
Full network closure: Buses replace all Auckland trains
Rail replacement buses will replace all trains. For full details and timetable information go to www.maxx.co.nz
A significant amount of the work taking place this weekend has been scheduled to avoid clashing with the Newmarket Viaduct lane switch during Anniversay Weekend.
Work being carried out by Auckland Transport and KiwiRail includes piling to complete the new retaining walls at Parnell, as well as completing anchors and the retaining wall at the northern end near the Parnell Bridge. Along the Western line foundations for new masts for electrification will go in.
At Ellerslie, work will involve excavation for a new platform face and installing a new pre-cast staircase for the pedestrian bridge and landings.
Nearby at the Mt Wellington Highway rail overbridge, the western side of the bridge will be demolished so it can rebuilt later to allow room for electric trains to pass underneath.
Work is also continuing on the Mountain Rd bridge replacement in Panmure, as part of the AMETI Panmure project.
Auckland Transport understands replacing buses with trains causes some disruption and works hard to minimise the impacts wherever possible, while balancing project safety and efficiency.