Rail infrastructure agency ONTRACK has awarded a $12 million contract to Australian-based Norfolk Group Ltd to upgrade the overhead electric lines on the Wellington region rail network.
New power supply equipment is necessary ahead of the planned introduction of a fleet of new electric passenger trains, ordered by the Greater Wellington Regional Council. The new Matangi trains are due to start arriving in 2010.
The contract was secured by Norfolk’s New Zealand electrical business Newpower Electrical. Newpower will be supported by its Australian partner, O’Donnell Griffin.
ONTRACK’s Wellington Region Rail Programme Director David Gordon said the three-year contract will start immediately with Norfolk working closely with the Wellington Region Rail Programme team.
“Norfolk’s expertise and proven record in rail infrastructure work will be an asset to this project and we’re looking forward to working closely with them,” David Gordon said.
“Most of this overhead traction work will be carried out off peak, so disruptions to daytime train schedules will be kept to a minimum.”
In addition to the new power supply equipment and fleet of new trains, the Wellington Region Rail Programme includes other improvements to the rail network including:
- Making tunnels on the Johnsonville line larger so new trains can use the line
- Extending electrification and double tracked lines to take commuter services to Waikanae
- Adding another main line into Wellington Railway Station to reduce delays
- Installing railway signalling equipment to accommodate the new trains
- Improving a number of platforms and station facilities
- Building additional train storage and upgrading maintenance facilities.