Middlemore Station upgrade

Project location: South Auckland

Project status: Construction

Background

KiwiRail is currently constructing the Third Main Line. This project includes a new third track between Westfield Junction and Wiri Junction, and other network improvements at Quay Park. The Third Main Line will:

• Enable freight trains to run on a separate track so passenger trains can run freely, allowing faster and more reliable journeys for rail customers, and improved network resilience.
• Accommodate anticipated growth in both AT Metro and KiwiRail freight services ahead of the opening of the City Rail Link.
• Improve rail links to key freight hubs, including KiwiRail’s Westfield and Southdown freight terminals and the Ports of Auckland inland port at Wiri.

The rail corridor through Middlemore is narrow, and upgrades to the station are needed to allow space for the new third track. The station is currently constrained by Hospital Road, Middlemore Hospital, bus stops, and Te Whatu Ora staff car parking.

Middlemore Station currently consists of two side platforms (one on each side of the tracks), a pedestrian bridge, platform shelters, and an information kiosk. Bus stops are located parallel to the station on Hospital Road.

Project details

Middlemore Station Upgrades

KiwiRail is upgrading Middlemore Station to build the Third Main Line.

Middlemore Station will remain open during construction of the upgrades, including access to the lifts and pedestrian bridge.

KiwiRail will also temporarily extend Platform 1 to ensure that trains can continue stopping at Middlemore Station. More information about travelling to and from Middlemore during construction is available below.

KiwiRail have worked collaboratively with Te Whatu Ora and Auckland Transport to ensure the upgraded station can meet the needs of everyone, including public transport users and hospital staff, patients, and visitors.

The upgrades to Middlemore Station include:

• A new platform to serve the Third Main Line
• A new pedestrian bridge at the northern end of the station
• An extension of the existing pedestrian bridge
• A new gate line for the new platform
• A new entrance for Te Whatu Ora staff via Rosella Road
• Accessibility improvements for pedestrians and vehicles

Map of Middlemore Station upgrades

Benefits

• Integrated bus and rail connections to support customer journeys
• Improved security and safety with new lighting, ticket gate line, and CCTV systems
• Improved access for pedestrians, including a new bridge across the rail line
• Improved resilience and flexibility for services during planned rail closures
• Provision to extend the platforms for 9-carriage trains in the future

Timeline

Construction is planned to start in November 2023 and be completed by early 2025.

Travel to Middlemore Station

Middlemore Station will remain open during construction of the upgrades, including access to the lifts, pedestrian bridge, hospital facilities, and bus stops.

KiwiRail will temporarily extend Platform 1 to ensure trains can continue stopping at Middlemore Station.

KiwiRail will also complete the upgrades in stages to ensure that the station can stay open during construction. This means some pathways around the station may change, so please be aware of your surroundings and follow any signage.

Train services

AT Metro train services will continue to stop at Middlemore Station during construction of the upgrades.

Rail customers will need to use an extended section of Platform 1 from mid-January 2024:

• Trains using Platform 1 (towards the city centre) will stop on the platform extension at the southern end. Access to Platform 1 will be available from Orakau Road.
• Trains using Platform 2 (towards Manukau and Papakura) will not be affected and will continue to use Platform 2.

The extended platform will be long enough for 6-carriage trains and accessible to all customers. However, for customers arriving at Middlemore Station on Platform 1, we recommended travelling in one of the front train carriages for better access to continue your journey.

Please be mindful that work on other rail projects continues, including the City Rail Link and Third Main Line, and AT train services will be impacted by these works at various times. Information about when trains are running is available on our Planned Rail Closures page.

Bus services

Local bus services will not be affected by the upgrades and will continue using the same bus stops during construction.

Walking and cycling

We have worked collaboratively with KiwiRail to minimise impacts on walking and cycling access as much as possible, and the station lifts, pedestrian bridge, and pathways will be accessible to anyone with mobility needs.

Access to Middlemore Station will be available from Hospital Road and Orakau Road throughout construction, although some pathways around the station may change, so please be aware of your surroundings and follow any signage.

Parking

All mobility car parks will remain in place throughout construction.  

A small number of car parks will be temporarily removed to provide the space needed to build the upgrades, including some Te Whatu Ora staff parking adjacent to Middlemore Station and parking on Orakau Road.

Plan your Journey

Please use Journey Planner or the AT Mobile App to plan your journey before travelling.

Updates about Middlemore Station will be communicated to customers through a range of channels, including posters at stations, the AT Mobile App and social media.

Information about when trains are running is available on our Planned Rail Closures page.

Contact us

If you have any questions or require any further information related to AT Metro services during construction of the upgrades to Middlemore Station, please contact AT on (09) 355 3553, or email Projects@AT.govt.nz

If you have any questions or require any further information related to the overall project, please contact KiwiRail or visit the KiwiRail website.