Key Takeaways:
- The City Rail Link (CRL) project in Auckland, New Zealand, is expected to open in the second half of 2026, after being delayed from its original opening date this year.
- The project has undergone significant testing, including crowd emergency evacuations, and will require over 13,000 tests to be completed before it can be handed over to Auckland Transport.
- The CRL will feature the longest escalator in New Zealand, at 40 meters long, and will connect two brand new stations and two extensively modified ones.
- The project has been delayed due to various issues, including Covid-19, and has experienced a budget blowout from an initial estimate of $2.8-3.4 billion to $5.5 billion.
- The CRL will incorporate Māori design and artworks, making it a unique and culturally significant project.
Introduction to the City Rail Link Project
The City Rail Link (CRL) project in Auckland, New Zealand, is one of the most expensive transport infrastructure projects in the country, with a price tag of $5.5 billion. The project aims to improve the city’s rail network by connecting two brand new stations, Karanga-a-Hape and Te Waihorotiu, and two extensively modified ones, Maungawhau and Waitematā. The CRL will also feature the longest escalator in New Zealand, at 40 meters long, which will be located at the Karanga-a-Hape station. The project is expected to open in the second half of 2026, after being delayed from its original opening date this year.
The Testing Process
The CRL project has undergone significant testing, including crowd emergency evacuations, to ensure that it is safe and ready for operation. According to Alan Trestour, head of CRL delivery for Auckland Transport, over 13,000 tests need to be completed before the project can be handed over to Auckland Transport. The testing process has been intense and complex, with glitches and issues arising along the way. However, CRL chief executive Pat Brockie is confident that the project is on track to meet its new opening date, and that none of the issues that have arisen so far have been "showstoppers" that would set back the project significantly.
The Station Control Room
The station control room is a critical part of the CRL project, and is equipped with screens that monitor fire panels and safety systems. Russell McMullan, CRL’s general manager of assurance and integration, explains the role of a large red button with a sign saying "DO NOT TOUCH" on it. In the event of a major incident, the button can be used by staff to send a signal to all train drivers to stop the trains wherever they are. Passenger modelling simulations have already been carried out, and more real-life emergency tests will be organized next year involving staff and families, as well as disability groups.
The Causes of Delays
The CRL project has experienced significant delays, with the original opening date being pushed back by several months. According to McMullan, Covid-19 had the greatest impact on the project, with lockdowns and severe restrictions on bringing in workers from overseas. The pandemic also contributed to the budget blowout, which has increased from an initial estimate of $2.8-3.4 billion to $5.5 billion. McMullan notes that the CRL project is about a thousand times more complicated than building a house, and that it’s not surprising that delays have occurred.
The Complexity of the Project
The CRL project is complex, with many agencies involved, including Auckland Council, the Crown, construction partner the Link Alliance, iwi groups, Auckland Transport, and KiwiRail. Transport expert Trestour notes that the involvement of many agencies has added to the complexity of the architecture. However, he also notes that the incorporation of Māori design and artworks has set the project apart, and that it will leave a lasting legacy for Aucklanders. The project’s unique cultural significance is a result of high-level collaboration with iwi groups, who have played a huge part in the planning and design of the project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the City Rail Link project in Auckland, New Zealand, is a significant and complex project that has experienced delays and a budget blowout. However, with over 13,000 tests to be completed and a new opening date set for the second half of 2026, the project is on track to be completed. The incorporation of Māori design and artworks has made the project unique and culturally significant, and it will leave a lasting legacy for Aucklanders. As the project nears completion, it is clear that it will be a major improvement to the city’s rail network, and will provide a safe and efficient way for people to travel around the city.
