This summer, KiwiRail will finish the job of completely renewing the line inside Remutaka Tunnel. The organisation has been replacing sections of track, around 200 metres at a time, over several weekends through the year.
It’s been good practice, giving KiwiRail the opportunity to test new equipment, streamline processes, and get the team ready for the main event. The team are currently around two kilometres (km) into the job, with the remaining 6.8km to do.
At 8.8km long Remutaka Tunnel is the second longest in the country. The track, sleepers and ballast are largely untouched since it first opened in the 1950s, and their delicate state means trains are forced to travel more slowly through the tunnel.
Project Manager David Sauvageon said it will be all go on site from Boxing Day when the first of the 116 strong crew get underway on what is a big undertaking.
“There’s a lot to do and we’ve been planning carefully to ensure we make full use of every day and night available to us. Spending summer inside a cold, dark tunnel isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, but we’re lucky to have the best people on the job,” Sauvageon said.
“We’re excited about getting the work finished. Breathing new life into this important piece of infrastructure connecting the Wairarapa and Wellington region is such a great project to be part of.”
Sauvageon will be on site at Maymorn to oversee works. He is planning to set aside time over a couple of weekends in January to catch up with residents who might have questions, or want to know more about the work.
Buses will replace trains while the line is closed between 26 December and 9 February 2025. Check out the Metlink timetable here.
