Ellerslie Station Ellerslie Station
The new, improved Ellerslie train station was officially opened by mayor Len Brown in May 2012 following an $8m upgrade involving Auckland Transport, the NZ Transport Agency and KiwiRail.
Project zone: East Auckland.
Project status: Completed.
The station now is safer, more attractive and gives better access for mobility users and pedestrians.
The work included reducing the existing platform by two metres, and shifting the rail tracks to give space for developments on the Southern Motorway (SH1). The rail overbridge has also been raised so that electric trains can pass underneath.
While the new station will benefit commuters immediately, the project lays the foundation for longer term improvements.
Shifting the station gives NZTA the room to add extra capacity on the motorway between Ellerslie and Greenlane at a later date. Creating that space would have been more challenging once this section of the rail network had been electrified.
The station has been modernised and the new shelter on the platform is a welcome protection from the weather. Travellers know they have arrived at Ellerslie by the yellow platform lifts which have improved access for rail passengers and local residents.
The $8m project started in November 2011. It was designed by GHD in partnership with URS and Jasmax to look similar to stations at Kingsland and Sylvia Park. It was constructed by Fulton Hogan and NZ Strong.
Features include the two new lifts, one giving access to Kalmia Street from the rail overbridge, and one giving direct access to the station platform. Facilities on the platform have been completely revamped with all new furniture including two new shelters to protect from wet weather.
A new pedestrian bridge has been built and new stairs have replaced the old stone ramp. New rubbish bins, CCTV, PA system and a HOP ticketing machine have also been included.