File pic Photo: Auckland Transport
KiwiRail is delaying the re-opening of a major section of Auckland's rail line by an extra two months to complete rebuild work.
The track between Papakura and Pukekohe in south Auckland has been closed since September 2022 to complete a $419 million project to extend overhead electricity.
It was set to re-open to commuters by the end of this year, but now it has been pushed back until mid-January 2025, after the Christmas network-wide closure, to complete KiwiRail's upgrade and renewals work.
KiwiRail chief asset development officer David Gordon said the work would avoid major inconvenience down the track and would enable a more reliable and frequent service.
"It just makes sense to get the rebuild work done before the line between Papakura and Pukekohe reopens to commuter trains," Gordon said.
"To start these new services only to have to stop them again at a later date would be more frustrating and create unnecessary disruption."
The current electrification work will be completed on time, and work to rebuild the line will begin in May.
That will involve removing the existing tracks and replacing the ageing foundations.
Franklin Councillor and AT board director Andy Baker supported the work being brought forward.
"During my time on the AT board I've seen a lot of benefits of taking a 'dig-once' approach to projects where you get in and do the job right from the get-go so you don't muck communities around with multiple disruptions," he said.
Bus replacements between the Pukekohe and Papakura stations continue.