| 7 T TNicki Woodlock Enhancing Auckland’s rail network The new underground rail connection will a llow Auckland’s rail network to carry 19,000 passengers each peak hour from opening, and up to 54,000 passengers an hour by 2051. Auckland Transport: PedLX Tranche Stations REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Aucklanders want public transport that’s convenient, connected, accessible, and reliable. Auckland Transport (AT) is working to grow public transport use to ease congestion, improve access, support the economy, and protect the environment. The City Rail Link is the largest and most transformational public transport development for Auckland. When the City Rail Link (CRL) opens it will double Auckland’s current rail capacity and transform Auckland’s public transport system. This new underground rail connection will allow Auckland’s rail network to carry 19,000 passengers each peak hour from opening, and up to 54,000 passengers an hour by 2051. City Rail Link needs to be managed well to allow the higher train frequency and new faster efficient trains without compromising people’s safety and causing delays to traffic when barrier arms are lowered more often. To cater for this new transport project there is a Level Crossing Removal Programme being implemented by AT, KiwiRail and the NZ Transport Agency to replace level crossings across Auckland with safer connections over the next 30 years. The Level Crossing Removal Programme supports four key projects: the City Rail Link, Papakura–Pukekohe electrification, KiwiRail’s Rail Network Rebuild, and the Third Main Line. These upgrades will boost passenger and freight services, with CRL doubling train frequencies in some areas—making level crossing replacements essential to avoid major delays. Auckland Transport’s Kris Gibson says there are two main benefits from the programme. “Improved safety—by separating people from the rail network—and improved transport network efficiency.” “Signalling is removed leaving a more efficient rail network. It prevents the traffic flow from being stopped. The road and rail both become more efficient”. The project is being is being delivered in stages. Tranche One is complete, with five pedestrian level crossings closed: Corban Estate, Henderson; Lloyd Avenue, Mount Albert; Kingdon Street, Newmarket; Tironui Station Road East, Takaanini; and Homai Station, Wiri. For Tranche Two—construction of three new pedestrian bridges at Glen Innes Station, Te Mahia Station, and Takaanini Station—the team has completed the detailed design. The next stage, Tranche Three, involves the removal and replacement of the Takaanini level crossings, which is currently in design. “We’re applying engineering principles to deliver value for money and efficient solutions, “ says kris. “We’re using a standardised modular bridge product that creates economies of scale and promotes efficiency—delivering faster, cheaper, better outcomes for Auckland, in line with the Mayor’s requirements for AT.” “Fabrication, design, and installation are standardised, which helps with cost forecasting and economies of scale, with the goal of delivering faster and cheaper solutions.” The Level Crossing Removal Programme marks the start of a 30-year program with investment from Auckland Transport and KiwiRail. Looking ahead, the programme will continue with the replacement of level crossings on the Southern and Eastern lines, while the team develops a business case for the level crossings on the Western Line. Engineering, Management and Design Services We are a small, local engineering practice based in the centre of Auckland specialising in the management and delivery of engineering, design and contract management projects. Our core areas of expertise are in the civil, rail, transportation and marine sectors. Proudly Supporting Auckland Transport on the Level Crossing Removal Programme Project 09 215 2606 hello@darlo.nz darlo.co.nz Contact Us Arup’s modular designs deliver safe, sustainable crossings that provide access with less disruption, lower carbon, for our communities. Bridges connect more than places, they connect people arup.com © Arup
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