Source: Radio New Zealand
Buses will replace trains across most of the Wellington rail network from 26 December until 12 January. RNZ / Krystal Gibbens
Wellington trains will be out of action for at least two weeks over the summer break.
KiwiRail said track maintenance and major upgrades will see buses replace trains across most of the network from 26 December Boxing Day until 12 January.
Wellington Metro general manager Andy Lyon said the line-up of work included replacing rails and sleepers, bridge repairs, and level crossing upgrades.
“Physically lifting out and replacing old infrastructure isn’t something we can do while trains are trying to run at the same time – it’s too disruptive to passenger services.”
Some of the projects were laying the groundwork for 2029’s new trains and increased services between Wairarapa and Manawatū and also included preparation work for new substations and the Ava Bridge renewal in Lower Hutt, he said.
Lyon said the plan was to get the work done while commuters were out of town but warned that disruptions were possible when train services resumed.
“It’s not unusual for things to take a few days to settle.
“We will know how things are looking by end of that last weekend, and will work closely with Metlink to make sure passengers are informed in advance of any temporary changes to timetables while things bed in.”
The network was expected to be up-and-running again on Monday 12 January, with trains on the Johnsonville line, and Wellington to Porirua services on the Kāpiti line resuming a week earlier on Monday 5 January.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
