Stage 3 of the Rail Network Rebuild

Key information

Stage 3 will be carried out on parts of the Western and Southern Lines. Previously, stages 1 and 2 have involved lengthy closures of parts of the Southern and Eastern Line, however for stage 3 most trains will continue to run to minimise customer impact on weekdays.

When trains aren't running, we will still help you get to where you need to be with alternative transport options. We are currently reviewing alternative transport options on the Western and Southern Lines. Details of these alternative options will be communicated in November.

Stage 3a will focus on part of the Western Line.

Stage 3b will focus on part of the Southern Line.

Stage 2 Eastern Line stations that are currently closed between Ōtāhuhu and Britomart will reopen from 15 January 2024.

This page outlines what is changing, and how we are supporting you while KiwiRail complete this work.

Stage 3a closures

Investigation works for Stage 3a of KiwiRail's Rail Network Rebuild will take place during the Labour Weekend full network closure. Additional work will be completed on some weekends, weeknights and during the annual Holiday Maintenance Period to minimise disruption to customers.

Weekday evening closures mean the last services on the Western Line will be replaced by bus. Dates and times of weekday and weekend closures will be confirmed at a later date.

An additional closure of the Western Line between Britomart and Swanson will be in place from 15 January to 19 January 2024. Buses will replace all trains at this time.

KiwiRail will return to Stage 3a and the Western Line in early March through to May to complete drainage and track work between Avondale and Morningside Stations. Some works will be completed during weekdays, however, train services will continue to run on a reduced frequency.

Stage 3b closures

Stage 3b will commence from 21 January through to early March 2024 on the Southern Line between Puhinui and Papakura. This work will be completed during weekends and overnight to allowing train services to run on weekdays.

Additional work will take place on the currently closed section of the Southern Line between Papakura and Pukekohe from late May until late June 2024.

Getting around when lines are closed

To keep Aucklanders moving during these works, we are currently reviewing alternative transport options on the Western and Southern Lines, which will be communicated soon.

To stay informed, download the AT Mobile app and subscribe to alerts for your train lines. You’ll get notified when there are changes to your line and will be able to search the best route to your exact destination. You can also phone 09 366 6400 for support from our team.