The Line North and the Makarau Tunnel
2020 has been the year of the rail upgrade north from Auckland to Whangarei. Major works including relaying lines, strengthening bridges and restructuring tunnels has been finished (January 2021). The line runs through the centre of Kaukapakapa and has been important in the settlement's creation and development. The Makarau tunnel, a few kms north of the village centre, was a major engineering achievement, after many years' work it eventually opened in 1897. Although the track, tunnels and bridges are completed and the first freight train came through on Monday 12 January, work continues to finish the track corridor.
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The KiwiRail crew who worked on the tunnel upgrade.
Photo courtesy KiwiRail |
A train exiting the tunnel in 2010 ..... |
..... And in January 2021
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The following images portray the Karakia (7 July 2020), the tunnel in preparation for enlargement and track laying. A few of the original sleepers have been moved to the Helensville Museum. They are currently being deep-freeze disinfected .
The line between Helensville and Kaukapakapa has been substantially upgraded with the replacement of track and bridges.
Please click on images to enlarge and see any captions.
(All images please credit to Colin Lunt unless otherwise shown)
The following images portray the Karakia (7 July 2020), the tunnel in preparation for enlargement and track laying. A few of the original sleepers have been moved to the Helensville Museum. They are currently being deep-freeze disinfected .
The line between Helensville and Kaukapakapa has been substantially upgraded with the replacement of track and bridges.
Please click on images to enlarge and see any captions.
(All images please credit to Colin Lunt unless otherwise shown)
