Currently Browsing: Newmarket
Newmarket’s Blue Crane Makes Light Work -Latest Photos
Posted by Jon C in General, Newmarket, motorwaysMar 2nd, 2010 | 7 Comments
Newmarket’s amazing Big Blue 140 metre long crane, towering 20 metres along the existing Newmarket viaduct, is making light work of a complex project.
In its first week of operation, it has installed 19 segments at the northern end of the new bridge. There’s a lot more work to do, though. It will be lifting a further 150 individual segments in coming months. This to complete the new southbound structure.
The unconventional crane is enabling the motorway to be kept open in both directions while the work is done to construction a new four-lane southbound motorway bridge in time for the RWC....
Land On Station Square: Go Directly To Jail
Posted by Jon C in Auckland City, NewmarketJan 28th, 2010 | 2 Comments
Put up a sign in Auckland saying don’t do something and poor-sighted Aucklanders immediately do the opposite.
Or maybe , it’s the challenge to disobey.
I remarked the other day how weird it was for Auckland City to put up a sign in Newmarket’s new Station Square, which leads off Broadway’s pavement to the new station, to ban ball sports in the square. I asked if it meant no hacky sack while waiting for the train!
I’m fascinated to see the rule already being broken. And it’s doing no harm.
I spotted a Mum happily enjoying sitting in the square with her little...
Shop Discounts To Entice Train users
Posted by Jon C in General, NewmarketJan 25th, 2010 | 11 CommentsNewmarket train commuters are going to be offered discounts at 35 Newmarket shops as part of a promotion during February.
The “Train Treats” deal is that if you show your train tickets to the participating Newmarket retailers from February 1 for that month, you get discounts.
Deals include
$50 off international holidays from Flight Centre at Newmarket
15% off homewares from Freedom Furniture
10% of any purchase at Animalia Petstore,
receive a free health and body age assessment from Configure Express
10% discount off bills at the Cock and Bill,
$50 of any purchase of new prescription...
Khyber Pass Bridge – Grafton Station Work: Today’s Photos
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 24th, 2010 | 7 Comments
Work continues at the corner of Khyber Pass and Park Rds, Newmarket on the rail replacement overbridge and Grafton station.
The station should open sometime between mid-March and mid-April, replacing Boston Rd station.
Here’s some photos of the state of the work as seen this morning. One of those typically Auckland thunder clouds (that never eventuate) came over while I was there, giving some of the photos in the early morning light a rather strange blue tinge!:
TODAY’S PHOTOS FROM THE BOSTON RD SIDE are here
RECENT KHYBER PASS DEVELOPMENT PHOTOS
Grafton – Jan 16th Photos
Boston...
State Of Denial
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 22nd, 2010 | 13 Comments
The Herald has today picked up the story here yesterday about the unacceptable times being added to journeys out of Newmarket because drivers are walking from one end of the train to the other.
Great station but lengthy stopovers
The media report says that ARTA’s considering asking Veolia, to post drivers at each end of Western line trains at peak times to reduce the delays “which have become apparent since the station was added to its network on Monday. ”
Hang on. Wasn’t that the promise all along that during peak times there would be two drivers? It was the assurance...
The New I-Spy Game. What’s the Score?
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 21st, 2010 | 15 Comments
There’s a new I-spy or “how long does it take to change a lightbulb” – type game some Western Line passengers have started playing to pass the time while at the wonderful new Newmarket station.
I have spent quite a bit of time at the station in the first two fully operational days (and during the Monday chaos) so let me just get out of the way, the station is great, such an amazing improvement, the staff including the security guards are professional and helpful, and this is not about the station OK! It’s the cute little newly-born baby son of Britomart and we’re...
Newmarket Gets Full Marks From The Blind
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 20th, 2010 | 5 Comments
Here’s some good news on the new Newmarket station for an important section of our community.
Newmarket’s station is a breakthrough for blind and partially sighted people.
The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind worked collaboratively with all parties involved from the beginning of the project to ensure accessibility measures were put in place. It says some of the accessible measures at the station include tactile indicators, colour contrast and excellent lighting.
All of these measures help blind and partially sighted travellers find their way around the station.
Newmarket is designed...
Rugby World Cup 2011: The Devil Is In The Execution
Posted by Jon C in Newmarket, Rugby World Cup 2011Jan 19th, 2010 | 6 Comments
Are there any lessons to be learnt from yesterday’s train meltdown?
Are we ready for the RWC?
Do we need a rail overlord in Auckland?
As trains resume normal schedules, do we remember what normal actually means for Auckland trains? It’s not a guarantee everything will go right.
What we have forgotten is, for all the holiday work, the transport minister’s announcement last week on an electrification contract and the opening of the wonderful new Newmarket station, the reality is this: electrification will not be with us when the RWC tourists pour in.
That happens from 2013.
So the...
Normal Services Resume
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 19th, 2010 | 2 Comments
Phew. Maybe things are back to normal.
Train services have begun operating now on what the timetable they should be – a normal Monday to Friday timetable
But rail buses are still on standby in case something goes wrong….
Early morning commuters at Newmarket stand around and ... hope
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CBT Says Problem “Temporary Glitch” But Where’s A New Timetable?
Posted by Jon C in General, NewmarketJan 18th, 2010 | 1 Comment
The Campaign for Better Transport group is describing the Newmarket signal problems and resulting timetable issues as a “temporary glitch” that we will get over.
“ As they say, a few eggs get broken in the making of an omelette,” says spokesperson Graeme Easte in a statement.
But the group is complaining that there’s no new timetable for the station and calls on ARTA to give priority to significantly reducing the waiting times between lines.
He says that given that a third of Newmarket passengers will be changing trains between Western and Southern lines, it is unacceptable to continue...
Newmarket Train Station Opens But Under Stress – Photos
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 18th, 2010 | 5 Comments
Early Newmarket passengers wait anxiously, hoping the train will go
Newmarket’s flash new train station opened its doors early this morning - but staff were under pressure to cope with the confusing timetabling that had been thrown up at the last minute because of the signal commissioning problems.
Rail enthusiasts and Newmarket Business Association CEO, Cameron Brewer, had planned to celebrate by taking the first train from Britomart into Newmarket arriving at 5.23am this morning.
But because Christmas holiday train timetables are back running this morning, that train didn’t happen.
Mr...
Confusion As Signal Problems Halt Normal Train Services – Photos
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 18th, 2010 | 1 Comment
Confusion, frustration and above all, disappointment this morning for Auckland train commuters.
Newmarket’s new train station opened as planned but normal timetables didn’t resume and rail replacement buses were back on the roads.
Newmarket is not operating as planned this morning
Ontrack workers are having to continue trying to get the complex new signalling service at the Newmarket junction working after it ran into difficulties Saturday night during the final commissioning stage.
As a result, the post- Christmas holiday train service is continuing, meaning rail replacement buses,...
Newmarket Runs Into Signal Problems: Full Services NOT Running Tomorrow
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 17th, 2010 | 5 Comments
Normal train services are not resuming tomorrow (Monday) morning as planned.
KiwiRail blames “unexpected difficulties with commissioning the new signalling at Newmarket Junction.”
This has forced the post-Christmas special holiday timetable to continue tomorrow morning, but there will be some train services resuming on the Western line.
The special holiday timetables will continue for all train services to and from Pukekohe/Papakura via the Eastern line and on railbus replacement services between Otahuhu and Britomart (via Newmarket South).
There is no word on when the proper timetable will...
Sneak Peak Of What Trains Look Like At New Newmarket Station – Photos
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 17th, 2010 | 20 Comments
The ignition sequence has started.
Train staff and engineers are busy trying out what it’s like with a real train at the new Newmarket station, ahead of tomorrow’s opening.
It’s great to see what a train looks like at the new platforms.
Now all they have to do is try to find the “on” switch and it’s all go for tomorrow.
"I can't believe they forgot to install an ON switch"
At least the doors at the Remuera Rd entrance seem to have power and open!
There has been some debate about the platform distance when stepping on and off the train. This...
Newmarket Triangle Gets Last Screws Tightened – Photos
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 17th, 2010 | 2 Comments
After a hectic couple of weeks, rail staff are busy putting the final touches and adjustments to get Newmarket junction ready for life returning to busy from just after 5am tomorrow.
And over where the temporary southern line Remuera Rd platform was, there are a few screws to be tightened:
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The Odd Case Of Newmarket & The RWC
Posted by Jon C in Newmarket, Rugby World Cup 2011Jan 15th, 2010 | 14 Comments
Sandringham Rd houses presently being shifted
If you mention Rugby World Cup 2012, chances are good for getting something happen, reasonably quickly in a city that is not known for fast action on projects.
Like shifting houses on Sandringham Rd to so that footpaths can be widened and a lane put in for people to use to get more easily to the games.
And of course the lovely new Kingsland train station is being dug up so soon after its makeover just so that platforms can be widened and an underpass put in to make it easier for the hordes to get to Sandringham Rd from the train station when they...
The Building Of Newmarket’s New Train Station – Photos
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 14th, 2010 | No Comments
We’ve come a long way in a year.
Today this building was officially opened.
Here’s just a random selection from photos I have taken over the year.
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Transport Minister: Get Over Road versus Rail Debate
Posted by Jon C in Newmarket, electrificationJan 14th, 2010 | 9 Comments
The transport minister today called on the public to “get past” the road versus rail debate.
Opening the new Newmarket train station this afternoon, Steven Joyce said that both are needed, especially in Auckland.
Addressing a gathering of key local body mayors and leaders, relevant officials and local MPs he said that it demonstrated the Government’s big commitment to preparing Auckland’s transport infrastructure for the future.”
The opening of the new station and the signing of the $1b electrification contract, which he attended prior to the opening, were milestones.
He said they marked...
Big Train Day For Auckland
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 14th, 2010 | 7 Comments
At 3,30pm this afternoon transport minister Steven Joyce unveils the plaque at the new Newmarket train station to officially open it.
It’s a ceremony that will attended by local MPs including Epsom MP and Act leader Rodney Hide, KiwiRail, and Auckand’s mayor and the present local body officials frm ARC and ARTA, who ironically are out of office when Hide’s bill becomes law.
Prior to that opening, the minister will announce the successful tenderer for the nuts and bolts of the electrification of the trains (such as the wires and masts).
This is the missing key bit to ensure electric...
KiwiRail Reply On Newmarket Track Issue
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 11th, 2010 | 9 CommentsKiwiRail has confirmed the Newmarket track design change but says it has laid a concrete pad if such a connection happens in the future.
A KiwiRail spokesperson says it believes the third rail link is not necessary at the moment as “there are enough alternative traffic routes through the junction without it.”
The decision not to install one of the track links between the western line and platform 4 at the new Newmarket station as originally planned has upset ARC chairman Mike Lee.
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Newmarket Track Work Continues Today While Others Ponder – Latest Photos
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 10th, 2010 | 5 Comments
While ARC’s chairman scratches his head about the revelations that Ontrack has decided not to install one of the track links between the western line and platform 4 at the new Newmarket station, workers today continue to frantically try to get the Newmarket junction track work finished before the week’s end.
So I popped by with the camera to see how things look at the moment:
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ARC’s Shock Concerns About Newmarket’s New Station: “How Did This Happen?”
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 9th, 2010 | 26 Comments
Outrage is growing at the discovery that Ontrack has decided not to install one of the track links between the western line and platform 4 at the new Newmarket station.
AEC chairman Mike Lee, in his letter to the KiwiRail CEO just before Christmas, complaining about the pending demolition of the Newmarket West station at Kingdon St, raised the issue:: “We have already been advised by management at Newmarket that the new $35m Newmarket rail station has limitations as its built on only three tracks. ”
Now a train driver, writing on the Bettertransport forum, said drivers had done their induction...
King Gone. Wasn’t There A Train Station Here? – Latest Demolition Photos
Posted by Jon C in NewmarketJan 9th, 2010 | 7 Comments
Here are the latest photos of what the former Newmarket West Kingdon St train station looks like now:
Overview looking towards where the station was
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Newmarket Station Officially Opens Thursday With Contract News – Latest Photos
Posted by Jon C in Newmarket, electrificationJan 8th, 2010 | 8 Comments
The new Newmarket station will be officially opened by the transport minister on Thursday next and he’s expected to announce the contract for the electrification project.
That’s the final key for getting Auckland electric trains.
The station will be open to the public on the following Monday when trains resume – but there’s quite some work to be done in the last week.
At Newmarket today, the platform signs are operational…
The escalators are ready for commuters…
The entrance way at Station Square ready to open its doors…
But there’s still some...
Cycle Ride & Park At New Newmarket
Posted by Jon C in Newmarket, cyclingJan 6th, 2010 | 18 Comments
You will be able to bike and park at the new Newmarket train station when it opens Monday week.
But you would have to be early.
The cycle stands are being installed near the Remuera Rd front of the station and are yet to be unwrapped.
But I counted only room for for a total of eight bikes.
Let’s hope there are more.
But also in front of the station are some large storage lockers.
These look like the ARTA cycle lockers on offer for hire at the Manurewa transport centre, shown below:
There are only 5 of them and you have to rent one for $50 for two months at a time.
Encouraging cyclists...
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I began this as a diary about catching an Auckland train & to create an online record of rail & motorway development. Now it's called AKT as it covers news & views from rail to motorways, the Auckland harbour crossing debate & cycle trails.
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