Key Takeaways:
- The City Rail Link (CRL) project in Auckland, New Zealand, has been in development for over 100 years, with the first proposal dating back to 1923.
- The project has experienced significant delays and budget overruns, with a total cost of around $5 billion and a construction time of nearly a decade.
- The CRL will provide a 3.4km subway route through the city, with three new stations and a reduced travel time of 20 minutes for commuters coming from the west.
- The new route will allow trains to pass through the central city, stopping at two new stations, Karanga-a-Hape and Te Waihorotiu, making it easier for passengers to access popular areas of the city.
- The CRL is expected to be completed in 2026 and will significantly improve Auckland’s public transportation system.
Introduction to the City Rail Link
The City Rail Link (CRL) project in Auckland, New Zealand, has been a long time coming. With a history dating back to 1923, when Railways Minister Gordon Coates first proposed a city-to-Morningside underground rail line, the project has experienced numerous delays and setbacks over the years. Despite the challenges, the CRL is finally nearing completion, with a projected finish date in 2026. The project has been a significant undertaking, with a total cost of around $5 billion and a construction time of nearly a decade. The tunnel boring machine used to drill the 3.4km subway route has moved roughly 1 million cubic meters of soil, and the project has required the coordination of multiple governments, ministers, councils, and mayors.
The History of the CRL
The CRL has had many supporters over the years, including former Mayor Len Brown and former Transport Minister Simon Bridges. However, the project has also experienced significant delays and budget overruns, which have been well-documented. Despite the challenges, the CRL is expected to revolutionize Auckland’s public transportation system, providing a faster and more efficient way for commuters to travel through the city. The new route will allow trains to pass through the central city, stopping at two new stations, Karanga-a-Hape and Te Waihorotiu, making it easier for passengers to access popular areas of the city.
The New Route
The CRL will provide a 3.4km subway route through the city, with three new stations and a reduced travel time of 20 minutes for commuters coming from the west. The new route will allow trains to pass through the central city, stopping at Karanga-a-Hape Station, which is located 33 meters beneath the city’s beloved K Road area, and Te Waihorotiu Station, which is directly adjacent to Queen Street and in the shadow of the Sky Tower. Previously, commuters had to get off at Waitematā Station and walk or catch a bus to get to these parts of the city, which could take up to 25 minutes. The new stations will provide easy access to these areas, making it easier for passengers to get where they need to go.
The Ride
The ride itself is quick, taking just eight minutes to travel from Mt Eden to Waitematā Station. However, the CRL contains a larger quality of wonder, given the long history and significant investment in the project. The train passes through the two new central city stations, providing stunning views of the city and easy access to popular areas. The CRL is expected to significantly improve Auckland’s public transportation system, making it easier for commuters to get where they need to go. With a train running every four minutes at peak time, the CRL will provide a fast and efficient way for passengers to travel through the city.
The Impact of the CRL
The CRL is expected to have a significant impact on Auckland’s public transportation system, providing a faster and more efficient way for commuters to travel through the city. The new route will allow trains to pass through the central city, stopping at two new stations, making it easier for passengers to access popular areas of the city. The CRL will also provide a reduced travel time of 20 minutes for commuters coming from the west, making it an attractive option for those looking to avoid the city’s congested roads. With the CRL expected to be completed in 2026, Aucklanders will soon have a new and improved way to get around the city.
Conclusion
The City Rail Link is a significant project that has been in development for over 100 years. Despite the delays and budget overruns, the CRL is expected to revolutionize Auckland’s public transportation system, providing a faster and more efficient way for commuters to travel through the city. With its three new stations and reduced travel time, the CRL will make it easier for passengers to get where they need to go. The CRL is a major victory for Auckland, and it will have a significant impact on the city’s public transportation system. As the city continues to grow and develop, the CRL will play a critical role in providing a fast and efficient way for commuters to travel through the city.
