Brown takes train as full Auckland rail service resumes

File photo / NZ Herald

Auckland's entire rail network is back up and running this morning after three weeks of major construction preparing the network for planned electrification.

In the Purewa Tunnel, between Meadowbank and Glen Innes stations, the track has been lowered to make room for the overhead wires needed to power Auckland's new electric trains.

South of Otahuhu the St George St rail over-bridge, Papatoetoe, has been replaced and will reopen to traffic today.

Work will continue on four of five other rail-overbridges closed to traffic during the holiday season - Station Rd and Browns Rd in Manurewa, Bridge St in Papatoetoe and Clevedon Rd in Papakura - as well as the Glen Eden pedestrian over-bridge and Baldwin Ave station redevelopment.

Super City Mayor Len Brown was among the first to make the most of the service's return, taking the 8am train from Papatoetoe to Britomart. The train left on schedule and arrived at its destination on time.

Mr Brown told Newstalk ZB he would take the train to work on a regular basis, as part of his commitment to public transport.

The mayor wants to increase public transport use from 63 million trips a year to 150 million trips a year in the next 10 years.

KiwiRail's Auckland Electrification Project director Murray Hood said a significant amount of work required for electrification had been completed during the network closure.

"We understand this has caused our neighbours and rail users some disruption and thank them for their patience and support during this time. However, by doing it like this we are able to minimise the effect our projects would otherwise have throughout the rest of the year," he said.

"The next 12 months will see more track upgrades, completion of the new signalling required for electrification and continued installation of the bases for electrification traction masts - we have completed around 500, and about 3000 remain.

"We'll start working on further road over-bridge replacements later this year - primarily along the Eastern Line, these will be done in conjunction with other transport agencies."

The network will be closed again over the Auckland Anniversary weekend for further improvement works, with buses again replacing trains. After Auckland Anniversary weekend the newly redeveloped Baldwin Avenue station will reopen, KiwiRail said.