25 November 2011

Buses replace trains for major work during Christmas

Buses will replace trains during the Christmas and New Year period while a number of major works are carried out across the rail network.

The full rail network will be closed from Christmas Day until Tuesday 4 January, with buses replacing trains at all times except on Christmas Day. A range of regular bus services are also available. For full details click here. Details will also be available at stations.

Major works by Kiwirail and Auckland Transport will include ongoing work to prepare the network for electrification, changes at Ellerslie to allow an extra motorway lane and enhance the station and the replacement of Mountain Rd bridge over the rail line as the first phase of the Ameti Panmure project.

Major enabling works needed for the planned Parnell Station will require buses to replace trains between Newmarket and Britomart. The work at Parnell includes lowering and re-aligning the tracks.

Rail line closures:

• Saturday 17 December and Sunday 18 December - Waitakere to Britomart, Papakura to Britomart via Newmarket, Onehunga to Britomart, and Papakura to Otahuhu.

• Monday 19 to Saturday 24 December - Newmarket to Britomart.

• Christmas Day - Full network closure, no buses replacing trains.

• Monday 26 December to Tuesday 4 January 2012 - Full network closure, buses replace all trains.

• Wednesday 5 to Sunday 15 January 2012 - Newmarket to Britomart and Papakura to Britomart via Glen Innes.

• Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 January 2012 - Newmarket to Britomart.

Auckland Transport Public Transport Operations Manager Mark Lambert says the Christmas holiday shutdown will see a significant amount of work done to upgrade the rail network.

"A lot will be achieved in a short time during the Christmas works. Timing has been based on when the least impact was to regular train passengers. Although we understand there will be inconvenience for passengers, they will see the benefits, both next year and then with electrification.

"We appreciate everybody's patience while the work is happening on the rail network."

Find your best transport option and full timetable information at maxx.co.nz.

Replacement rail bus services will be provided, except on Christmas Day. For more details on the upgrade of Auckland's rail network visit www.kiwirailco.nz.

ENDS

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