Stage 3 of the Rail Network Rebuild
Find out more about Stage 3a and 3b of the Rail Network Rebuild. This work started in late 2023 and is expected to run through until June 2024.
On this page
Key information
Stage 3 will be 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 will continue to run on weekdays.
During Stage 3a, customers will experience a reduced frequency of service on weekdays. For more information, see Stage 3a closures.
When trains aren't running, we will still help you get where you need to be with alternative transport options. You can use Journey Planner or the AT Mobile app to plan your journeys.
Stage 3a will focus on part of the Western Line.
Stage 3b will focus on part of the Southern Line.
This page outlines what is changing during Stage 3, and how we will support you while KiwiRail completes this work.
Stage 3a closures
Stage 3a affects the Western Line.
Investigation works for Stage 3a of KiwiRail's Rail Network Rebuild took place during the Labour Weekend 2023 full network closure. To minimise disruption to customers, additional work was completed on some weekends and weeknights following Labour Weekend 2023 and during the annual Holiday Maintenance Period. City Rail Link work closed Waitematā Station (Britomart) for an additional period until 22 January 2024.
On 10 March, KiwiRail returns to Stage 3a on the Western Line. This work is expected to be completed in early May. The work focuses on drainage and track work between Avondale and Morningside stations.
Some works will be completed during weekdays. Train services will continue to run but at a reduced frequency.
Weekday evening closures mean the last services on the Western Line will be replaced by buses. Timetables are available on the Planned Rail Closures page.
KiwiRail safety reminder
Stage 3b closures
Stage 3b on the Southern Line between Puhinui and Papakura started on 26 January. To allow train services to run on weekdays, this work is being done on weekends and overnight.
Much of the work will be complete by early April 2024, with some evening closures continuing until early May.
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.
Timetables are available on the Planned Rail Closures page.
Getting around when lines are closed
You can check out our Planned Rail Closures webpage to find out when trains will not be running.
During Stage 3b, when train services are not running, rail replacement buses (RBS) will stop at stations between Puhinui and Papakura. Other urban routes may assist you better.
Stage 3a starts on 10 March. Western Line trains will still be running on weekdays but at a 20-minute frequency during the day.
March is typically Auckland public transport’s busiest time of year. To help our customers get where they need to go, an additional rail bus service (RBWN) will run between New Lynn and Newmarket, stopping at all train stations during weekday morning peaks.
We will also be adding #22N buses to support capacity on New North Road.
In the evenings and on weekends, when train services are not running, Rail Replacement Bus service RBW will operate.
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.
Cycling and walking alternatives
We’ve mapped out some popular journeys you can use to bike or walk if rail line construction is affecting you. Or use Journey Planner to create your own cycling or walking trip.
Manukau Station
- Bus 33 - High frequency option between Papakura Interchange and Ōtāhuhu Station via Great South Road.
- Bus 365 - Hourly timetable between Papakura Interchange and Manukau Bus Station via Porchester Road.
- Airport Link via Puhinui Station.