A better rail network for Wellington commuters Answers to common questions
What’s involved in continuing to improve the rail network?
We’re continuing to upgrade track, tunnels, traction masts (the poles which hold the overhead wires), overhead wires, signals, sleepers and power supply. The past decade’s seen activity to support the Council’s new trains and improve the Kāpiti line. Now the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa lines will see big improvements. These include ‘double-tracking’ between Trentham and Upper Hutt – creating two lines so trains can travel in both directions at once.
This work will take around seven years.
How will these changes improve my journey if I’m a train user?
The improved network will make services more reliable by reducing the speed restrictions and outages which currently delay trains and inconvenience commuters and businesses. In coming years it will also allow MetLink to schedule longer trains, faster trains and more services for commuters. It will also mean KiwiRail can schedule more freight services to support local businesses, reducing the number of heavy vehicles on the region’s roads.
In addition, the new infrastructure will better handle environmental factors like changing temperatures and strong winds and the risk of earthquakes.
Which lines are affected, what’s happening on each and when?
We’re upgrading all five lines in the region. However, most activity in coming years will take place on the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa lines.
Activity Dates Hutt Valley Wairarapa Johnsonvill Kāpiti Melling line line e line line line Track renewals Through Renewed track in tunnels to 2026 Upgraded bridges New sleepers in tunnels Double-tracking and 2019 to electrifying the line 2024
Trentham to Upper Hutt
Upgrading power supply 2018 to (including new traction 2021 poles and overhead wires)
Mainly Hutt Valley line
New signals and track 2019 to layout, Wellington station 2020
Why do you need to close the lines to carry out this work?
With hundreds of passenger and freight services on the network each day, our team cannot carry out this work safely and efficiently during the standard working week. We know that closing the line to work on it some nights, weekends and public holidays can disturb neighbours living and working along the rail corridor. It also inconveniences commuters. Thank you all for your patience. We’re working hard to get this essential work done as quickly as possible.
What happens to commuters when you close a line?
When a line is closed MetLink provides a rail replacement bus between stations: www.metlink.org.nz
How does this work affect people living and working along the rail network?
Improving the rail network is a major construction project. The work involved is likely to cause some disturbance for people living and working along the rail corridor. For example, the machinery we use can create noise, vibration and dust, plus lights which are visible during night work.
We are also installing new infrastructure like steel traction poles which replace the existing wooden ones. The new infrastructure may look a little different and be located in slightly different places from the current infrastructure.
Our staff and contractors are very mindful of our rail neighbours and work hard to get this essential work done as quickly and quietly as possible. Thanks for your continued patience while we carry out this work.
If your home, business or school is near the rail corridor and is directly affected by our construction work, you can expect to receive more information before work starts. More information and contact details.
How many people use the network each year?
The network serves approximately 500,000 people who live in the region and provides more than 13 million passenger journeys a year. It transports 18,000 workers and students into and out of the city each day during peak times. This is around 23% of all peak travel into and out of central Wellington.
Of the 18,000 passengers, 85% travel on two of the five lines (the Hutt Valley and Kāpiti lines).
How is patronage growing?
Peak period patronage on the network has grown 13.6% over the last three years, and is forecast to continue growing strongly.
What are the benefits of rail for the Wellington region?
Rail reduces congestion on Wellington roads, with an estimated net benefit (after costs) to the region of more than $290 million each year (source: Ministry of Transport). By reducing the number of private cars and heavy freight vehicles on the region’s roads it also reduces carbon emissions and improves the region’s air quality.
What’s KiwiRail’s role in this work?
We own the network infrastructure (including the tracks, signals, power supply, bridges and tunnels) and we’re carrying out the work involved in upgrading it.
Who’s funding this work?
The Crown and the New Zealand Transport Agency through the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF). Greater Wellington Council also funds routine maintenance (including renewed infrastructure) through fares, rates and NLTF contributions.