About the Rail Network Rebuild

Key information

The Rail Network Rebuild is required so that KiwiRail can rebuild the aging foundations across our rail network. The work will be done one section at a time.

When the Rail Network Rebuild is complete, and the City Rail Link opens, Auckland will have a more modern and reliable rail network, bringing you more frequent services and faster journeys on all-electric trains.

Why we need to close the lines

The Rail Network Rebuild is not surface-level work. KiwiRail will lift the rails and sleepers, replace the foundations, improve drainage, and put the rails and sleepers back down.

KiwiRail and Auckland Transport investigated a range of options to limit the impact on customers. In some cases, this has meant closing the line being worked on.

Stages of the Rail Network Rebuild

On 19 May 2024, KiwiRail starts implementing Stage 4.

Stage 1

In Stage 1, 6 stations on the Southern and Onehunga Lines were closed between 16 January 2023 and 19 March 2023.

The stations closed for Stage 1 were:

• Remuera
• Greenlane
• Ellerslie
• Penrose
• Te Papapa
• Onehunga

Stage 2

In Stage 2, 5 stations on the Eastern Line were closed from 20 March 2023 until 14 January 2024. These stations have now been reopened.

The stations closed for Stage 2 were:

• Ōrākei
• Meadowbank
• Glen Innes
• Panmure
• Sylvia Park

Stage 3

Stage 3 was carried out on parts of the Western and Southern Lines. Previously, stages 1 and 2 involved lengthy closures of parts of the Southern and Eastern Line. To minimise customer impact during stage 3, most trains continued to run on weekdays. 

During Stage 3a, customers experienced a reduced frequency of service on weekdays as well as evening and weekend closures. 

Stage 3b on the Southern Line between Puhinui and Papakura started on 26 January. To allow train services to run on weekdays, the work was carried out on weekends and overnight.  

Stage 4

KiwiRail is rebuilding the rail network between Pukekohe and Papakura from 19 May 2024 until mid-January 2025.

Remaining stages

The remaining stages will be completed one section at a time, so the rest of the train network can stay open during works. We’ll keep you informed with the details of additional stages as they are confirmed.

We know you've dealt with a lot of rail closures lately

We understand how difficult and stressful changing the way you get around Auckland can be.

We’ll be there to help you get where you need to be, and we’ll be providing a range of alternative services throughout all stages of KiwiRail's Rail Network Rebuild.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while KiwiRail carry out these important works.