New Zealand state-owned enterprise KiwiRail has announced that the rail line from Trentham to Upper Hutt will be double-tracked as part of KiwiRail’s programme to upgrade the Wellington network.

The company will temporarily close the Hutt Valley rail line to construct. This allows them to construct an underpass at Trentham Station and make other upgrades to the station.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

It will also install a 2.7km section of track on the route from Trentham to Upper Hutt. It has scheduled the work for completion in the next 18 months.

KiwiRail has also announced plans for the construction of additional platforms and shelters at Trentham and Wallaceville stations. It will also install extra rail lines at Upper Hutt and make upgrades to level crossings and signals.

These upgrades form part of an NZD193m ($126.6m) investment for the Wellington Metro Rail Network. The Government of New Zealand allocated these funds in 2018.

The Greater Wellington Regional Council has since announced another NZD3m ($1.96m) for the enhancement of Trentham and Wallaceville stations.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

KiwiRail capital projects and asset development COO David Gordon said: “This is an important step in upgrading Wellington’s rail network and will help make the metro and Wairarapa commuter trains more reliable.

“Double tracking effectively removes a congestion point in the network and will create more flexibility when the two commuter services interact with each other and with our freight trains coming to and from the Wairarapa.”

In September this year, the Government of New Zealand revealed plans to invest NZD94.8m ($60.9m) to upgrade the North Auckland Line between Swanson and Whangarei in Northland.

This May, the government allocated NZD1bn ($651m) in the latest national budget to bolster railway infrastructure. The funding will be available to KiwiRail over the next two years.