Auckland Region Rail Upgrade Project

Plan details

Start and completion dates

The Auckland Region Rail Upgrade Project begins in 2002. Infrastructure improvements are planned to be fully completed by January 2006 and the target service levels (of 10-minute frequencies throughout the network at peak times) are to be running by December 2006.

Project partners

The project has two partners: The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) manages rolling stock and service procurement. Auckland Regional Transport Network Ltd (ARTNL) manages infrastructural upgrades and is the rail network manager.

Infrastructure upgrades

ARTNL plans to upgrade the infrastructure in two phases.

Phase A - completion by July 2003

This phase includes footbridge safety improvements, improvements to existing drainage, minor track and signalling changes at New Lynn, fencing and road and pedestrian level crossings improvements.

Sub-total: Infrastructure $7.9 million

Initially three stations in Manukau, Waitakere and Papakura (one in each) will be upgraded. Minor station amenity and safety upgrades (CCTV, remote monitoring, lighting, painting and platform surface improvements) will be carried out at all stations except Britomart.

Sub-total: Stations $3.1 million

TOTAL INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL COST PHASE A: $11 million

Phase B - completion by January 2006

The components of Stage B are:

- Double tracking from Kingsland to Glen Eden on the Western line, including bridge and structure additions and modifications

- Completion of improvements to level crossings, drainage and fencing over whole system

- Land acquisition (corridor)

- Infrastructure service level improvements

- Double tracking of the Western line from Boston Road to Kingsland, and from Glen Eden to Swanson, including bridge and structure additions and modifications

- Signalling system replacement on the Western line including the Newmarket area

- Signalling system - fibre optic cable along all corridors

- Westfield-Otahuhu track changes, platform re-construction, at-grade separation and signalling changes

- Train storage and light maintenance facility (Swanson, Parnell)

- Contract supervision, consents, etc.

Sub-total: Track infrastructure $111.5 million

Station upgrading and park & ride including land acquisition: All existing station buildings, platforms and facilities and park and ride facilities will be upgraded to appropriate levels.

Sub-total: Stations $68.5 million

Manukau Rail Link $31 million (exclusive of enabling works)

TOTAL CAPITAL COST STAGE B $211 million

TOTAL COST - INFRASTRUCTURE $222 million

Rolling stock improvements

The ARC will manage the refurbishment of existing rolling stock (trains) and procure additional rolling stock.

1. Purchase and refurbishment of existing trains

ARC will commission refurbishment of existing 10 ADL units to meet immediate service level requirements. The aim is to complete refurbishment by June 2003 along with a minor upgrade of the 9 ADK units.

Cost $3 million to purchase existing trains, $8 million refurbishment

Timing 2002 - 2003

2. Procurement of interim rolling stock

The ARC will source interim rolling stock to meet service level requirements and provide operational spares between 2002 and 2007. Exact fleet numbers will be dependent on actual delivery date of new rolling stock.

Cost $10 million

Timing 2002 - 2007

3. Purchase of new trains

The ARC has estimated costs of purchasing 25 new DMU units to be $5.8m per 2-car unit. The ARC will run a competitive tender process to select a supplier (designer and manufacturer) of long-term rolling stock. This is to ensure that we choose the best option for Auckland for the long term.

Cost $145 million

Timing 2003 - 2006

TOTAL COST ROLLING STOCK $166 million

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF RAIL PROJECT $388 million

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