The works required to bring electric commuter trains to Waikanae officially got underway on Monday 15 December.
Otaki MP Nathan Guy was on hand to turn the first sod near McKays Crossing and mark the start of the work to extend electrification and double tracked railway lines on the Kapiti Coast.
Once complete, the extension of electrification will allow regular commuter train services to travel to Waikanae.
Currently, electric trains travel as far as Paraparaumu.ONTRACK’s Wellington Region Rail Programme Director David Gordon said the double tracked lines will extend north from McKays Crossing to just south of Waikanae.
“Having a second track means trains can travel in both directions simultaneously which will improve the frequency of train services,” David Gordon said.
The work is part of the Wellington Region Rail Programme, a series of improvements to the region’s railway system to give commuters more reliable and frequent services. This is a joint initiative between Greater Wellington Regional Council, ONTRACK and Tranz Metro.
“From today we’ll start the initial ground preparation to widen the railway foundation to make room for a second set of tracks. In some areas preliminary earthworks will need to settle for up to a year before new rails can be laid,” David Gordon said.
“While the earthworks are settling we’ll work elsewhere on the line to build the new foundation for the wider railway. This includes installing steel traction poles to carry the new overhead wires needed for electrified trains.
“Most of the construction will take place at a safe distance from the railway lines and State Highway One. Some of the work we simply won’t be able to do while trains are running but we’ll try to work during off-peak times to keep the disruption to a minimum.”
The project is due to be completed in late 2010.