The first successful test of a train through Auckland’s City Rail Link has been hailed as “momentous” and a “colossal milestone” ahead of the project’s expected opening next year.
The 3.45km journey began at Waitematā (Britomart) and took two-and-a-half hours to reach Maungawhau, passing the two new underground stations at Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape.
Moving at around 5km/h, the pace of the first trip of the three-carriage train was “deliberately slow” to allow technicians to complete checks and balances around tunnel clearance, power supply, and signalling.
Five trips were completed overnight.
Watch the test run on TVNZ+
The 3.45km journey began at Waitematā (Britomart) and took two-and-a-half hours to reach Maungawhau, passing the two new underground stations at Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape. (Supplied: City Rail Link) (Source: Supplied)
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the test represented an “important milestone” in the project.
“Tens of thousands of Auckland commuters are right behind you, and they’re looking forward to experiencing the benefits your hard work will deliver when CRL opens next year.”
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown said the test run was “momentous” for both the city and the City Rail Link project.
“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.”
City Rail Link chief executive Patrick Brockie said the journey was a “colossal milestone” the project had been working towards since construction began in 2016.
“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.”
KiwiRail said the inaugural journey launched a key testing phase to confirm trains were able to “seamlessly transition” between the City Rail Link and the wider network.
“We’ve all worked tirelessly to get to this point and seeing a train make its first journey through the full length of the tunnels is true cause for celebration,” said City Rail Link programme director Bevan Assink.
“These tests will accelerate in the coming weeks. This includes brake testing on what is one of the steepest sections of railway in New Zealand, recovery procedures and the start of hands-on training for drivers.”
Tunnel ventilation systems, tunnel supervision and security, lighting, upgraded communications and hands-on training for Auckland’s metro drivers and station staff were still on the to-do list, which is around 8300 tests long.
The beginning of testing follows two significant milestones for the project: the successful energisation of the tunnel’s overhead electric lines and the official handover of the tunnels and track to KiwiRail for train testing.
City Rail Link was scheduled for completion in 2026.
