Yes they are trains and not trucks, and yes they are electric not diesel.
But with a cost nearing $3 billion dollars – and with other capital projects associated with the CRL such as the Commercial Bay redevelopment adding significantly more – the CRL will play a big role in New Zealand’s heavy equipment industry for the next few years.
It all kicks off today – officially at least, work began in December – with a ‘bang’ according to the Auckland Council, at an official event in Britomart.
You can watch the groundbreaking – by mayor Len Brown and transport minister Simon Bridges live in the above Youtube feed. The offical component begins at the 2 hour 50 minute mark.
Mayor: CRL will change Auckland for ever
Auckland Mayor Len Brown is describing this morning’s commencement of the construction of the City Rail Link (CRL) as an historic day for Auckland which will transform the city.
“Today changes Auckland for ever. The CRL is the heart of dealing with the city’s growth, with propelling our economy, and creating a future Aucklanders want.”
He made the comments as he, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Transport and other dignitaries formally marked the start of the construction with a groundbreaking ceremony at Britomart Train Station.
“Auckland Transport is forecasting in the first year of operation an 88% increase in rail passengers travelling to the city centre and a 40% increase in rail patronage across the network in the morning peak.
During the past decade, Auckland’s rail patronage has increased from 2.2 million trips a year to pass 16.2 million in April this year. At the moment, the dead end at the Britomart train station limits the rail network to 15,000 trips an hour.
By removing this, the link will allow the movement of 30,000 people an hour in peak- the equivalent of 12 motorway lanes. In comparison, a motorway lane can carry only 2,400 vehicles an hour.
Len Brown says this is not just a transport story. It’s also about growing business and creating jobs as well as promoting environmental sustainability.
“The CRL provides the single best solution to meet demand for access to the city centre, to support the city’s fast growing economic development.”
The private sector is planning and delivering $7 billion worth of new private investment around the CRL area by the time the link opens. This includes more than 70 projects within a short distance of the route including the New Zealand International Convention Centre, which will bring more visitors to Auckland.
This will create more than 13,000 new office jobs and 7,000 new retail and construction jobs.
“Taking cars off the road is just part of it. Every town centre near a rail line will benefit. It will rejuvenate areas across Auckland as well as building a great heart for the city. It will deliver $1.60 of benefit for every $1 of cost.”
The Mayor says today’s groundbreaking comes almost a century after a rail tunnel under the city centre was first mooted.
“The CRL has been my number one priority since becoming the first Mayor of the united Auckland.
“Today I am very incredibly proud to stand together with the Prime Minister and Minister of Transport to together ensure this project proceeds for the future benefit of all Aucklanders.”
