Media statement | 29 July 2005

Advanced funding approved for Western Rail Line duplication

The Land Transport New Zealand Board has approved $4.8 million in funding to the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) towards the Western Line duplication project.

The funding will be used for the procurement of long lead time items such as rails, sleepers and bridge beams.

Land Transport NZ has already approved design funding for the project, which involves double-tracking the rail line from Boston Road Station to Swanson. An application for construction funding is expected to be received when the design has been completed.

Board chair Dr Jan Wright says the advanced funding has been approved in order to help ARTA maintain momentum for the Western Line project, a key part of the programme to increase capacity for the Auckland passenger rail network.

For more information:

Peter Kippenberger
Partnership Manage, Northern
Land Transport New Zealand
Ph: 09 969 9812 or 021 913 882

Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
Land Transport New Zealand
(04) 931-8822 or 0212 763 222