Source: Radio New Zealand
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Work on a Wairarapa rail upgrade worth more than a quarter of a billion dollars has been delayed by over a year.
Work on the $260 million upgrade plan began in 2021 and included level crossing and signal upgrades for the region’s rail for new frequent hybrid electric trains to run from 2029.
The work was expected to be completed late last year, but KiwiRail has confirmed to RNZ it now would not be finished until early 2027.
The rail company’s chief metro and capital programme officer, David Gordon, said changing technology and difficult ground conditions had driven the problems.
Gordon said community consultation also played a role in the delays.
“KiwiRail has also undertaken significant engagement with councils and communities, which resulted in more crossings staying open than originally intended.”
Originally 23 crossings were being upgraded and seven would close, while now the project would see 26 upgraded and four shut, he said.
An artist’s render of the new hybrid electric trains. Metlink
Any cost increases would be managed within budget, Gordon said.
He was confident the work would be done before the new trains arrived.
Greater Wellington Regional Council chairperson Daran Ponter told RNZ he would be asking KiwiRail to explain the delay.
“Let’s remember that KiwiRail is an engineering company – communications is not always their strong suit.
“It would have been good to have known about this earlier but I’m not particularly concerned.”
Ponter said the new trains were four years away so there was still plenty of time, but it was still important the council asked about the delay.
“We want to make sure that when the new hybrid trains are commissioned into service that they’ve got a free run through the Wairarapa.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
