City Rail Link Limited (CRLL) has completed the first testing of the City Rail Link (CRL) project by running test trains across the full length of the project’s underground tunnel network.
Established in 2017, CRLL is the company responsible for delivering the CRL project and is owned by the government of New Zealand and Auckland Council.
CRL is a 3.45km twin-tunnel underground rail link project that includes a network of tunnels up to 42m below the streets of Auckland City, New Zealand.
The test train was run south from Waitematā Station, past the new stations at Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape to Maungawhau Station on the Western/North Auckland Line.
Travelling at a planned slow speed of around five kilometres an hour, the train took two-and-a-half hours to complete the first journey and has completed five trips overnight.
It allowed technicians to complete their first round of underground checks and balances relating to tunnel clearance, power supply and signalling.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said: “This is momentous for Auckland and the City Rail Link programme, which has had its fair share of challenges.
“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.”
According to the project company, the test run is a step forward in the project’s journey towards transforming the city’s public transportation.
It follows extensive planning and safety checks and last week’s work to energise the tunnels’ overhead lines to power trains.
The scheduled tests and checks include testing complex tunnel ventilation systems, tunnel supervision and security, lighting and upgraded communications, among others.
City Rail Link chief executive Patrick Brockie said: “City Rail Link was established to deliver NZ’s biggest infrastructure project – one that will be an absolute game-changer for Auckland.
“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.”
