A series of improvements are being made to the Wellington railway system to provide more reliable passenger services. Costing more than $550 million, this is a joint programme between KiwiRail and Greater Wellington Regional Council. Greater Wellington has ordered a fleet of new electric multiple units – the Matangi trains – which are currently being tested and will be introduced from late 2010.
KiwiRail Network is leading the upgrade of existing infrastructure to accommodate the new trains, and to improve overall reliability. This includes upgrading the power supply, signals and station infrastructure around the Wellington area.
Impact was appointed project manager for KiwiRail’s new substations project in 2008 and is currently engineer to the contract on KiwiRail’s track circuits programme. This is a complex $14 million design-build contract implemented to upgrade the signalling system for the Wellington region.
As engineer to the contract, Impact’s role is to manage the design and construct process, including ensuring KiwiRail replies promptly to design queries. Essential to the success of this project is having regular progress meetings, formal and structured communications and detailed programme management to ensure deadlines are achieved.
Key project milestones include the double-tracking and electrification of the North Island Main Trunk, which is being extended to Waikanae. This will extend the reach of the metro rail system and more than double the capacity on this section of line. Furthermore, at the entrance to Wellington Railway Station a third main line is being installed. The new line will be bi-directional, ensuring there are two lines into the Station during the busy morning peak and two lines out during the afternoon rush hour.
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I have worked with Impact since 2005. As Advisor to Wellington International Airport Limited, I worked closely with Impact in their role as Project Director for the International Terminal Development. Since Impact’s appointment to manage the additional Substations for KiwiRail’s Wellington Region Rail Project, they have rapidly become an indispensable member of my team. They have proven to be proactive, hands-on Project Managers whom I can trust to resolve the intricate issues associated with construction within an operational rail environment. I highly recommend Impact.
- David Gordon, Programme Director, KiwiRail, Wellington Region Rail Programme
