Auckland's trains will be shutting down for most of the first month of next year. Photo: Dan Satherley / RNZ
Auckland's trains will be shutting down for most of the first month of next year.
In a joint statement, Auckland Transport and Kiwi Rail said commuters could expect more rail network closures ahead of the highly anticipated opening of the City Rail Link (CRL) in the second half of 2026.
The first would be a month-long rail network closure from 27 December to 28 January.
Some Southern and Eastern and Onehunga Line services would return from 19 January to 29 January, before closing again for two days.
Auckland Transport Director of Public Transport and Active Modes Stacey van der Putten said this summer was their "last big push" to finish rail infrastructure work.
She said more than 1300 people would be involved in repairing tracks, building new platforms and pedestrian bridges, and removing level crossings.
"This work is essential to getting City Rail Link up and running, without it we simply won't be able to run more trains, more often.
"Balancing delivery with minimising disruption to passengers and freight is tricky to get right. Using holiday periods, when demand is lower, means we impact fewer people, but for those staying in Auckland or working right through, we understand this is frustrating.
"Please stick with us, better journeys are around the corner."
They would also be testing the new CRL route and timetable this summer.
"This is the first round of trialling the new train timetable in full to ensure it is safe, reliable and seamless from the first day CRL is open.
"During these tests, trains will operate throughout Auckland but will not be able to carry passengers, as they'll be travelling through the tunnels under strict testing rules. "
There would be extra buses to replace trains, including express rail buses on the Southern Line.
But AT said even after the month-long closure, there were more closures planned.
"These will be limited to weekends and public holidays as much as possible, however we are asking Aucklanders to be prepared for longer closures in the April School Holidays," van der Putten said.
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