Contract/projects

Auckland’s City Rail Link Project – First test run completed

The first testing of the City Rail Link (CRL) project has been completed by City Rail Link Limited (CRLL) through running test trains across the full length of the project’s underground tunnel network.

The responsibility of delivering the CRL project is up to CRLLthat is established in 2017 and is owned by the government of New Zealand and Auckland Council.

Including a network of tunnels up to 42m beneath the streets of Auckland City, New Zealand, CRL is a 3.45km twin-tunnel underground rail link project.

The test train was run south from Waitematā Station, past the new stations at Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape to Maungawhau Station on the Western/North Auckland Line.

Considering that the planned travelling speed for this train was about five kilometres an hour, it took two-and-a-half hours to complete the first journey and has completed five trips overnight, which allowed technicians to complete their first round of underground checks and balances relating to tunnel clearance, power supply and signalling.

According to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown: “This is momentous for Auckland and the City Rail Link programme, which has had its fair share of challenges. It’s good to see progress being made because Auckland deserves a public transport system that will deliver benefits for Aucklanders and visitors alike.I’ve always said I was determined to get the project finished and over the line, and we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

With the aim of transforming the city’s public transportation, the test run is a step forward in the project’s journey and it follows extensive planning and safety checks and last week’s work to energise the tunnels’ overhead lines to power trains.

Testing complex tunnel ventilation systems, tunnel supervision and security, lighting and upgraded communications, among others, are the scheduled tests and checks.

“City Rail Link was established to deliver NZ’s biggest infrastructure project – one that will be an absolute game-changer for Auckland. Last night’s test run is a major step in our transition from a construction site into a railway and we now start a comprehensive testing schedule ahead of people riding the train next year,” said City Rail Link chief executive Patrick Brockie.

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