Auckland Rail Network Does a Brynderwyn

Next year SH1 is due to close between Kaiwaka and Waipu again for a couple of months. This is so more permanent repairs can be undertaken on the Brynderwyn Hill section. 

Now Transport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that Auckland’s train system is set to close short term as well. Expect an outage of almost 100 days over the school holiday period. 

RNZ reports the Auckland train network will be out of action from around Christmas (actually Dec 27)  through to the end of January 2026 (Jan 28), as work continues on the City Rail Link.

Another extended outage is planned from April 12 to April 22, around Easter. During that week, by the by, SH1 between Kaiwaka and Waipu will reopen so as not to cause too much disruption during a key holiday period (April 18-21, 2025).

Back to Auckland though and the trains will run at reduced capacity for much of the rest of the year. In total there are up to 96 days of full closures and 53 days of partial closures.

Brown said that around $200m is being allocated to the rail network to ensure the project is completed on time. While the closures will impact on passengers and freight, Auckland will soon benefit from the City Rail Link opening. Fortunately, the stoppages are occurring when the weather is more stable. So get those e-bikes and e-scooters out and charged up. Or download apps for e-scooter rental. 

Brown explained: “To ensure the success of the City Rail Link, the Rail Network Rebuild needs to be completed ahead of the CRL opening to ensure Aucklanders can benefit from increased train services and improved reliability.”

He said the exact date of the opening was yet to be confirmed. However, steady progress is being made and commissioning of the trains has begun.

“The work KiwiRail will carry out includes replacing aging track foundations, including in the busiest part of the network in South Auckland; making the network more resilient to weather by improving drainage and culverts; replacing worn rail and sleepers, improvements to bridges and a tunnel, and upgrades to critical track infrastructure, signals and power supplies.”

Acting Auckland mayor, Desley Simpson, said that the disruption was an unavoidable necessity. The plan focused on extending existing closures during public and school holidays.

She added: “It is our expectation that KiwiRail and Auckland Transport will continue to work at pace on these upgrades, minimise disruption to commuters where possible, and communicate effectively and in advance about available alternatives.”