Expect more trucks on Auckland’s roads over the Easter period as the rail network will shut down for more than two weeks with KiwiRail ramping up infrastructure upgrades ahead of next year’s opening of the City Rail Link (CRL).
The full network closure from April 12-27 — the second in 2025 — will allow KiwiRail to complete critical work on major projects across the region, including track renewals, electrification upgrades, and new station builds.
Trains will not operate during the 16-day period, with Auckland Transport (AT) providing rail replacement buses and alternative bus services for commuters.
“We get a huge amount done when there are fewer people needing to travel for school and work. KiwiRail teams were able to complete major projects over summer, such as the electrification of 19kms of the Papakura to Pukekohe section of the network, as well as extensive track upgrades of the Rail Network Rebuild,” KiwiRail chief capital planning and asset development officer David Gordon says.
“The 16-day shutdown set for the Easter-to-Anzac holiday period will also be part of this concerted push to prepare for the City Rail Link and ensure the metro network is primed and ready for the increase in the number of trains.”
With trains every five to eight minutes expected once CRL opens in 2026, the Easter closure will support vital work, including the final stages of the Wiri to Quay Park Third Main Line, a crucial link to ease congestion between passenger and freight services.
Also underway during the shutdown will be continued work on Auckland’s Rail Network Rebuild, redevelopment at Middlemore Station, progress on the Western Power Feed at Glen Eden, and station construction at Drury and Paerātā.
Auckland Transport director of public transport and active modes, Stacey van der Putten, says the upgrades were already showing benefits, with peak services to Pukekohe set to double after the Easter closure.
“Auckland’s new and improved rail network is coming and we appreciate the ongoing patience of our train passengers.
“We’ll be running full rail replacement bus services stopping at all train stations, as well as express buses on the Southern Line, which were well-used during the summer closure,” she said.
While passenger services are paused, rail freight will also be diverted to trucks, particularly around KiwiRail’s Southdown freight hub, prompting an increase in road traffic in parts of Auckland.
KiwiRail and AT are working with NZTA and emergency services to manage any disruption to motorists, with alternative routes and traffic controls planned.
The Easter closure will see more than 900 workers operating across over 80 sites. KiwiRail estimates around 60% of Rail Network Rebuild upgrades will be completed with crews working around the clock.
Although passenger trains won’t be running, the agency has reminded the public that rail vehicles and work trains will still be active.
“We want to remind everyone to always expect trains and to only ever cross the rail corridor at an official level crossing,” KiwiRail says.
