The New Zealand Government will investigate upgrading and expanding freight rail north of Auckland, transport minister Phil Twyford has announced.
NZ$500,000 has been allocated from the country’s Provincial Growth Fund for a business case to test and determine “the appetite for rail as a viable option for transporting freight in and out of the region,” Twyford said on June 1.
“Rejuvenating and expanding the North Auckland rail line could help unlock the region’s export potential,” the minister said.
Along with testing the viability of freight rail in Northland, the business case will also look into whether the upgrade could include a new spur line to Marsden Point to support the growth of Northport.
“The existing sections of the line are in poor condition or not in use,” Twyford said.
“The business case will weigh the costs and benefits of upgrading them to modern freight standards. Northland businesses, iwi and local government will be consulted to see if there is demand for an improved rail freight service that aligns with the region’s development priorities.
Associate transport minister Shane Jones said the Ardern Government had big plans for regional rail as a way to improve connectivity, create jobs and get trucks off the road.
“Almost all of Northland’s freight leaves the region by road,” Jones said.
“Around 1,185 heavy vehicles a day travel on State Highway 1 between Northland and Auckland, and truck numbers are increasing. “A reliable, resilient rail connection would take some of this freight off the road in both Northland and Auckland and help increase the flow of products in and out of the region.”