Plan to unlock rail’s potential for Northland
15 June 2018
NZ Government:
The potential for upgrading and expanding
rail
north of
Auckland will be investigated, as part of a package of improvements
to help Northland’s growth, Transport Minister Phil Twyford and
Associate Transport Minister Shane Jones have announced.
“This Government believes that rejuvenating and expanding the North
Auckland
rail line could help unlock the region’s export potential,” Phil
Twyford said.
“The
business case will test this and determine the appetite for rail as
a viable option for transporting freight in and out of the region. It
will also investigate whether the upgrade could include a new spur line
to Marsden Point to support Northport’s growth,” Phil Twyford said.
“The existing sections of the line are in poor condition or not in use.
The business case will weigh the costs and benefits of upgrading them to
modern freight standards.
“Northland businesses, iwi and
local government will be consulted to see
if there is demand for an improved rail freight service that aligns with
the region’s development priorities,” Phil Twyford said.
“This Government has big plans for regional rail as a way of improving
connectivity, creating jobs and getting trucks off the road,” Shane
Jones said.
“Almost all of Northland’s freight leaves the region by
road. Around 1,185 heavy vehicles a day travel on State Highway 1
between Northland and Auckland, and truck numbers are increasing.
“A reliable, resilient rail connection would take some of this freight
off the road in both Northland and Auckland and help increase the flow
of products in and out of the region,” Shane Jones said.
The $500,000 cost of the business case will be paid for from the
Provincial Growth Fund.
--ENDS--
Source: New Zealand Government - www.beehive.govt.nz
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