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After successful testing and remedial work overnight, KiwiRail has cleared the Parnell Tunnel track for use this morning, and trains are running as normal.
Late last night, Auckland Transport announced that early trains will not be running between Waitematā and Newmarket on Tuesday, February 10, on the Southern and Western lines.
KiwiRail chief metro officer David Gordon says they discovered some faulty track work carried out by contractors in the tunnel over the Waitangi Weekend network closure.
“We made the call to close the tunnel last night as it was the safest option and to give Auckland commuters the best chance to make alternative plans.
“Although it turned out not to be necessary, it was the right call given the complexity of the task and the information we held at the time.”
Late on Monday, February 9, Auckland Transport advised that due to a track issue discovered between Waitematā and Newmarket stations, Southern and Western line trains will not be running between that section of tracks from the start of service tomorrow, February 10.
The Southern line will run from Pukekohe to Newmarket, and the Western line from Swanson to Newmarket; both will run every 20 minutes instead of every 10 minutes. The Eastern line will continue to operate to Waitematā as normal.
Customers travelling to the city from south of Ōtāhuhu can transfer from the Southern line to the Eastern line at Ōtāhuhu station to reach Waitematā.
There will be rail replacement buses on the whole Western line, while customers can also transfer at Newmarket to the 70 or InnerLink bus from 7203 Stop A Newmarket, to get to Waitematā, and buses will accept train tickets. The InnerLink also passes Parnell Station.
Yesterday, Gordon said the reduced schedule was due to the necessary closure of the Parnell rail tunnel.
“KiwiRail has discovered some faulty track work carried out by contractors in the tunnel over the Waitangi Weekend network closure. We are assessing the track overnight and will work as quickly as we can to make repairs.
“We appreciate how frustrating this is for Aucklanders. Safety is our first priority, and we will aim to have the tunnel reopened so that trains can run normally for the afternoon peak.”
Gordon says KiwiRail is investigating how the faulty work happened.
