Auckland’s rail network will be completely closed for 16 days, from April 12th to April 27th, 2025, to facilitate critical upgrades and renewal projects in preparation for the City Rail Link (CRL), set to open in 2026. While these upgrades are essential to modernising the city’s rail infrastructure, the closure will suspend all rail activities, forcing freight transport to shift from rail to road. This will have notable consequences for Auckland’s transport network. 

The suspension of freight trains during the closure will redirect cargo typically moved by rail onto Auckland's already busy roads, especially in areas near KiwiRail's freight hub at Southdown in South Auckland. As truck movements increase, the region is likely to experience heightened road congestion, particularly around key freight corridors. To address these impacts, KiwiRail and Auckland Transport are working alongside the NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) and Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Their coordinated efforts aim to reduce disruptions through measures such as: Modeling alternative freight routes. Implementing effective traffic management systems. Scheduling freight vehicle operations to avoid peak traffic hours. 

The rail closure is a pivotal part of the Rail Network Rebuild (RNR) program, designed to prepare Auckland’s rail system for the increased demands anticipated once the CRL opens. During the 16-day period, over 900 workers will undertake extensive upgrades at more than 80 sites. 

The scale of work reflects the importance of these upgrades, with 60% of the projects being performed round-the-clock. The ongoing RNR program has already delivered significant improvements since 2021, such as replacing 21km of track foundations, upgrading 60km of drainage, and completing extensive rail, sleeper, and ballast replacements. These updates bolster Auckland’s network to provide faster, more frequent services and better reliability for commuters. 

While the closure and its resulting traffic disruptions may pose challenges for Aucklanders and freight operators, the initiative underscores the long-term benefits of a modernized rail system. For example, electrifying the rail line to Pukekohe—completed during a previous closure—has already doubled peak train services, highlighting the potential gains from these upgrades. Post-CRL, Auckland’s rail network will be equipped to handle substantially increased capacity and offer improved travel connections across the city.