Rail Network Rebuild
The Rail Network Rebuild is a major upgrade of the rail network across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. It supports the City Rail Link coming in 2026.
Project details
Start date
January 2023End date
January 2026Location
Auckland-wideTransport involved
TrainOverview
The Rail Network Rebuild (RNR) is an essential programme led by KiwiRail to rebuild and replace old foundations under tracks and upgrade drainage. This will allow for more reliable train journeys and a more resilient network that is ready for the increased number of trains 2026 will bring.
To enable the rebuild, a series of partial and full closures is required on the rail network so it can be completed safely and quickly.
Auckland Transport and KiwiRail are working closely together to keep weekday peak services in operation when possible so Aucklanders can rely on the train for their weekday routines. This means that, outside major holiday periods, rail closures will usually be at weekends or evenings, with school holidays kept as contingency to support the upgrades being delivered on time.
When the Rail Network Rebuild is complete and the City Rail Link opens, Auckland will have a more modern and reliable rail network. This will bring you more frequent services and faster journeys on all-electric trains.
Timeline
Electrifying the tracks between Papakura and Pukekohe
The electrification of the Pukekohe to Papakura line was completed in February 2025. Customers can now travel to the City Centre (CBD) on the Southern Line without transferring at Papakura Station.
Priority sections on parts of the Western and Southern Lines
Tracks on parts of the Western and Southern Lines were rebuilt to improve resilience.
Newmarket to Otahuhu
Tracks between Newmarket and Otahuhu on the Southern and Onehunga Lines were upgraded and rebuilt.
Stage 5 construction
The Rail Network Rebuild is now entering its final stage of construction. This includes:
- Priority areas of the Southern Line between Otahuhu and Papakura, including a 1.2km stretch along both sides of Hospital Road, south of Middlemore Hospital.
- Priority areas of the Western Line between Swanson and Henderson, and Newmarket and Avondale.
- Resilience works in the Parnell tunnel between Newmarket and Waitemata on the Western Line.
Annual holiday maintenance period
The final stage of Rail Network Rebuild will be completed during this annual holiday maintenance shutdown.
Significant progress has been made across the network as the final stages of the RNR programme are completed, major upgrade projects have either been completed or are near completion in readiness for CRL, and there are major advances in the delivery and testing of CRL infrastructure.
Project designs
Project benefits
Increasing rail network capacity by 50%
Trains will run more frequently
Quicker journeys and better connections
Project background
For teams to work safely and get work done more quickly, we need to close rail lines. This work is intensive. KiwiRail lifts the rails and sleepers, replaces the foundations, improves drainage, and then puts the rails and sleepers (the horizontal blocks beneath the rails that hold them in place) back down.
KiwiRail and Auckland Transport are working together to plan the work and limit the impact on customers. We are delivering a huge scale of work before City Rail Link opens.
Find out more about the works on KiwiRail's website (opens in a new tab).
When work is happening on a train line we need to close sections of the track. We try to do this when fewer people are using the trains – including overnight and during holiday periods.
During larger planned closures (including for Rail Network Rebuild works), Auckland Transport organises rail replacement buses. These buses stop at all stations on the closed line (or closed part of the line).
Visit the Planned Rail Closures page to see upcoming closure details on the whole network.
For the most up-to-date information on the day of travel including more specific details and alternative transport options, please check Train Line Status before you travel and subscribe to push notifications in the AT Mobile app.
Cycling and walking
If works are disrupting your cycling or walking journey, you can also use Journey Planner to create your own cycling or walking trip. Select the cycling and walking icon when mapping your journey to see routes.
We also recommend visiting our Cycling & walking hub for resources including route maps, biking skills courses, and information about community groups and events.
Key contacts
For personal customer service, including if you have a wheelchair or mobility scooter that is too large to take onto rail replacement buses, call the AT Customer Service Centre 09 366 6400.
For the NZ Relay Service call 0800 4715 715.
Getting ready for the City Rail Link (NZ Sign Language)
Accessibility on rail replacement buses
Buses may be busier than usual, especially at peak times. Journey times may be longer, so allow for extra time.
Customers with wheelchairs or mobility scooters that are too large to take on rail replacement buses will be able to book a free mobility taxi by phoning our Contact Centre.
It is recommended to book a few days before travelling to ensure you can be accommodated at your desired time.
Customers will only be able to use this service to travel between stations directly affected by rail closures.
Visit bus accessibility to find out more about travelling by bus if you have access challenges or limited mobility, including fare and concession information.
In addition to these train station closures, there will still be planned closures on other train lines across the network to facilitate routine maintenance and project work.