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Update on transport network across Auckland after yesterday’s flooding Update on transport network across Auckland after yesterday’s flooding

Date: 28 January 2023

Work is continuing across Auckland to reopen roads and restore public transport services as soon as it is practical and safe to do so.

Approximately 80% of scheduled bus services are currently running, although we are starting to see an increasing number of bus services falling behind schedule. Services are running as usual on all weekend ferry routes other than Hobsonville/Beach Haven.

Rail replacement buses are operating on all rail lines, but due to a technical issues live tracking is not available for these services this weekend.

If you are planning to travel on a bus or ferry, please check the Live Departures or Journey Planner on the AT Mobile app for live service information.

Disruption likely for rail services next week

Tracks on the Western and Eastern Lines have been damaged as a result of yesterday’s heavy rain and flooding. Following a rail network inspection, KiwiRail has discovered issues of subsidence on both lines.

Our rail team is currently working with KiwiRail to understand how these areas of subsidence will be addressed and whether some trains will be able to operate on these lines after this weekend’s rail closure ends.

At this stage we are expecting a reduced frequency on some areas of both lines and buses may will replace trains for at least part of the Western Line and Eastern Line from Tuesday.

Services on Onehunga Line and the Southern Line between Newmarket and Ōtāhuhu will remain replaced by bus services because of stage 1 of KiwiRail’s Rail Network Rebuild.

We will release detailed information about rail services for Tuesday onwards within the next 48 hours once we have been able to confirm operational details with KiwiRail and our rail operator.

Public transport situation report

Bus

  • 80% of bus services are operating including bus rail replacements, with cancellations due to water-damaged fleet and drivers unable to come to work.
  • Due to road closures, there are significant bus detours in place
  • There are no services in Warkworth this morning due to closed roads, with the route 998 and 996 service having resumed.
  • Flooding occurred overnight at Ranui, Onehunga, Glenfield and Kaiwana Rd bus depots. Operators are still assessing damage and operating impact for Tuesday full timetable.
  • No issues reported on Waiheke Island with services not affected by weather.

Train

  • No train services are running because of this weekend’s KiwiRail and City Rail Link rail network closure.
  • Ambassadors are at the rail bus stops at Britomart, Newmarket and Otahuhu assisting customers.
  • Rail Bus Replacements are operating on all lines.
  • Our rail team is inspecting all train stations and platforms. Newmarket Station was flooded, along with a number of underpasses.
  • Inspections of ferry wharves for any issues or damage are also underway.
  • Tracks on the Eastern and Western Lines are impacted by slips and areas of subsidence. KiwiRail is assessing the extent of these slips and what work may be needed to address them.
  • It is expected that services on both lines will be at least partially replaced by buses from Tuesday onwards.

Ferry

  • Most services are operating as normal this morning.
  • Hobsonville/Beach Haven weekend services are not operating due to debris in the water from multiple slips.
  • Inner harbour services are delayed as they are running at slower speeds because of potential debris, with additional lookouts needed on vessels as a precaution.

Road network situation report

Arterial roads

  • Multiple roads remain closed around the Auckland region, with contractors deployed to assess flood damage. Further work is needed to assess the full impact to the road network.
  • The most severely affected areas and current areas of focus are:
    • North: The Puhoi Ahurua Road area and north of the Mill Flat Road bridge (Riverhead) which has washed out. Residents north of the bridge are isolated with no current exit. Access has been obtained through Riverhead Forest with a pontoon bridge en route from Waikato.
    • West: Scenic Drive is fully closed around #412
    • East Coast Bays: Risk exists in this area as the storm water systems are blocked, Council’s Healthy Waters team are on site to clear, but depending on further rain there is a risk that this area could flood again.
    • South: The Mill Road / Redoubt Road intersection has a slip and Wiri Station Road has a partial closure southbound.
    • Central: South Eastern Highway (SEART) / Carbine Road intersection and SEART offramp has a closure and Victoria Street in the city centre has a sinkhole.
    • All slips are overslips with the exception of Puhoi Ahurua Road which is an underslips.
  • 15 extra road closures have been put in place on local roads in the last two hours, mostly due to slips.