Work has started on a new railway line after a decades-long wait to free up one of Auckland's busiest choke points.
The government-funded programme was announced today. Building a third line between Wiri and Quay Park near the CBD is a $315 million job, with the potential to support more than 400 jobs.
KiwiRail chief executive Greg Miller says it's been needed for decades - comparing it to adding another lane of motorway. Greg Miller says he's confident the job will be completed before the City Rail Link project in central Auckland.
The third main line is one of four city rail projects, worth more than $1 billion, funded by the government's infrastructure Upgrade Programme.
Labour's transport spokesperson Phil Twyford says it will benefit the city - and the climate. Other projects include electrification from Pukekohe to Papakura, new stations in the south, and a large maintenance programme around the city.
