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While similar works in Takanini and Drury remain works in progress, a recently completed bridge at Glen Innes train station is providing an example of the shape of things to come.
A new pedestrian bridge in east Auckland is another step forward in replacing rail level crossings across the region with safer, easier connections, says Auckland Transport (AT).
The modern bridge is fully accessible with stairs and large lifts and replaces two rail level crossings where there had been one fatality and 18 near misses since 2014, says AT.
It’s one of three pedestrian bridges built in less than a year to support more frequent trains with the arrival of the City Rail Link (CRL) while improving safety.
Construction of the three bridges was accelerated after the government and Auckland Council brought forward funding, with construction beginning at Labour Weekend last year.
To be ready for the CRL, 16 rail level crossings have been closed or replaced during the past 10 years, and all remaining pedestrian crossings now have automatic safety gates.
Transport and infrastructure delivery committee chair, and Franklin Ward councillor, Andy Baker says replacing rail level crossings is a key part of enabling the rail network to grow with demand.
“These bridges support even more trains to run on the network once City Rail Link opens and in the future.
“They’re an important milestone in the wider work under way to replace rail level crossings across the city, improving safety, congestion and reliability for Aucklanders.”
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward councillor Josephine Bartley says the new bridge is a significant improvement.
“We know some people have felt hesitant using the station because of safety concerns, so it’s fantastic to see improvements that address this and give the community more confidence to catch the train.”
AT’s head of level crossings, Tom Willetts, says the bridge improves safety, accessibility and connectivity for all, while supporting a growing rail network.
“We’re pleased to open this bridge ahead of City Rail Link so the Glen Innes community can start benefitting sooner from the full benefits of our upgraded rapid transit network.
“Our teams worked hard to make the most of planned rail closures.
“We recognise the disruption the closures cause, but they allowed crews to safely undertake critical work and deliver more efficiently while trains weren’t operating, with some teams working around the clock.
“We know construction has had an impact on the community and commuters, and we’re grateful to the Glen Innes community for its patience, understanding and support throughout the project,” says Willetts.
“This bridge is an important investment in the area’s future, and we’re proud to see it open for everyone to use.”
AT says the bridge’s final design was shaped through engagement with mana whenua, stakeholders and the wider community.
Weather protection canopies and anti-climb/throw screens aim to be installed during a planned rail closure later this year.
A number of improvements have also been made to the station underpass with a focus on enhancing safety, says AT.
Improvements include upgraded lighting and CCTV, restored asphalt, better drainage and new fencing.
Auckland rail level crossing programme
AT and Auckland Council, with support from KiwiRail, are working together to replace rail level crossings in Auckland during the next 10 to 30 years.
Replacing rail crossings with safer connections is key to unlocking the full CRL benefits of allowing even more trains to run in the future while keeping traffic moving, they say.
“It will also support urban development and make it safer and easier to get around your local area.
“As Auckland grows and rail demand increases, current crossings won’t work as they do today, with increased traffic delays and safety risks if we don’t replace them.”
The Auckland rail crossings programme is funded by the council and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
AT says progress is being made on the Auckland-wide programme including:
- Sixteen rail level crossings have been closed or replaced; for example, the three station bridges for CRL
- Detailed design and property acquisition to be ready to start construction of new Takanini road bridges
- Work on the investment case to decide how and when to replace or remove up to 21 level crossings across the Western Line
Glen Innes rail station pedestrian bridge project:
- The section of the Park and Ride closed during construction reopens tomorrow, Saturday, July 25
- Bike parking remains available in its current location until upgrades are made to a new parking area
- New mobility parking will not be available until November while upgrades are completed. In the meantime, mobility parking remains in its current location – allow extra time to access the station
- A new pick-up/drop-off area is under way and will be available before the end of the year
- Crews used planned rail closures during public and school holidays, including over last Christmas, to complete works that could not be carried out while trains were running
- Over the King’s Birthday long weekend, construction crews worked a total of 5000 hours, building 60 metres of undertrack crossing and installing 100 metres of rail boundary fences. They also poured 1000 cubic metres of concrete and installed one of the bridge decks along with a significant amount of other work
