Transport Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed Auckland Rail Network will close for a combined 96 days over the next 13 months starting from Christmas this year.
This comes after the Government and Auckland Council make a final push to complete the City Rail Link and improve the wider network.
The infrastructure project has been delayed several times and caused many businesses to close their doors, claiming the construction drove away foot traffic.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Acting Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said the Government would be fully funding the $200m needed to complete the Rail Network Rebuild.
“These works will have a significant impact on passengers and freight in Auckland with KiwiRail undertaking a large programme of rail upgrades across the network over the next year”. Brown said
“This is estimated to add up to 96 days of full network closure between this Christmas period and the end of January 2026,” he added.
Whilst much of the work will focus on the City Rail link, Kiwi rail will spend a significant amount of time replacing track foundations, improving drainage, replacing worn out track infrastructure, signals and power supplies.
Brown said Auckland will be preparing for a surge of passengers and rail networks need to be up to scratch.
“Preparing for the surge of passengers in 2026 will require a full network upgrade, not just outfitting new stations, but also integrating, testing, and commissioning new systems across the entire network.”
Photo Credit: NZ Herald
