Auckland’s Third Main Line — a 6.5km third track between Wiri and Middlemore — has opened, with ministers saying it will be a “game changer” for rail freight and enable more frequent passenger services.
The $328 million project adds a third line through one of the busiest parts of the network, upgrades junctions at Wiri and Westfield, delivers track works at Quay Park for Port of Auckland movements, and redevelops Middlemore Station with a third platform.
It includes 50 pieces of track infrastructure (turnouts) which have been installed to let trains switch lines more easily.
Rail Minister Winston Peters says the aim was to grow passenger frequency without choking freight.
“We funded this $328 million project in 2020, adding a third track in the busiest part of Auckland’s rail network to ensure a busier passenger network does not derail our economy by blocking rail freight.”
Peters pointed to the city’s role in the national freight task.
“Auckland is our largest city and congested roads are no good for locals, tradies or anybody else, and it is also New Zealand’s largest domestic market where efficient freight connections here enables benefits from Northland to Southland.
“Rail moves 17% of the freight task to and from Auckland with four million tonnes hauled last financial year equating to 2.7 tonnes for every Aucklander, and our efforts to optimise KiwiRail’s freight business means there is real opportunity to grow volumes and get more trucks off our roads.
“We extend our thanks on behalf of the Government to KiwiRail for its work delivering the project.”
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the extra track should lift reliability and frequency across the metropolitan network.
“Opening the Third Main means we can look forward to seeing reliable peak services every five to eight minutes across the city, giving Aucklanders more transport options and improving productivity. It’s a necessity if our largest city is going to grow sustainably, while lifting the economy.”
Bishop also highlighted resilience benefits.
“The Third Main also provides an alternative route for trains to run during planned or unplanned disruption, providing resilience in our transport system and keeping services and people moving through this busy part of Auckland.
“Alongside other recent investments in Auckland’s transport network, including the Papakura to Pukekohe rail electrification project, rail upgrades and renewals in Auckland through Budget 2025, and the City Rail Link, the Third Main will help keep our biggest city moving.”
