Stage 2 Rail Double tracking

Double tracking means more reliable train services and more trains at peak times. It makes sense to use the existing rail corridor as a safe and fast public transport service.  Waitakere City is committed to intensification around the railway stations to maximise the use of trains and to grow our town centres.   Double tracking is needed to enable the train frequency to increase from two per hour to four, and eventually six trains per hour at peak times.

Safety, security and shelter

What prevents pedestrians crossing the tracks to get to the opposite platform?
Fences will be built at most stations preventing people from crossing the tracks to get from one platform to another or from using the tracks as a shortcut.  The new stations at Henderson, Sunnyvale and at Glen Eden will have provision for an over or under bridge at each site. At Fruitvale Station, where pedestrian traffic is low, walkers will be required to cross near to the same place as cars – this entails a short detour.  Should future usage increase very substantially, then this matter will be looked at again.

Will you install fences to prevent pedestrian crossing of the tracks?
This is planned along the strip between the double lines at Fruitvale, Glen Eden, Sunnyvale and Henderson stations.

Will I be safe waiting for a train to arrive?
Station design is driven by principles which provide for safety (e.g. good lighting, better visibility such as glass walls to the new shelters and improved sight lines). Emergency call buttons and security cameras will also be installed on all platforms. The new stations will be substantially safer than the old platforms.  In addition, waiting time for a train should be substantially reduced with more frequent services running.

Where can I shelter from the rain and wind?
New station designs provide for new or upgraded shelters with a roof and glass walls.

Will there be toilets at stations?
The Council is negotiating on this matter and needs your input. Should funds be made available, the provision of toilets will be a high priority. Toilets, if provided, can be located in the station precincts but not on the platforms.

There have been requests from the public for toilets to be provided at stations. This matter is being looked at and if funds are available, then we hope to provide a public toilet for the use of commuters. Factors that need to be taken into account include evening security, vandalism, and access for disabled persons.

What will happen to the walking “track crossers” at Stolford Crescent and at Brandon Road?
The council has provided in years past a right of way from Stolford Crescent for pedestrians to reach Fruitvale Station (this would be illegal these days). As the platform at Fruitvale Station will now move west some hundreds of meters, we are looking at the possible provision of an underpass or other equivalent solution such as a walkway to get pedestrians safely under the tracks and onto a planned walkway to Fruitvale Station. The current ROW is dangerous and would never be permitted in modern rail design, particularly as the climb up the embankment is partly obscured by heavy bush.

At Brandon Road, heavy pedestrian traffic crosses the tracks to reach the shops at Glen Eden Mall and the high street. This crossing is illegal and is extremely dangerous due to the tracks being on a curve and being obscured by bush. Trains travelling at 80 km/h or 22 metres per second require a clear distance of 160 metres to avoid hitting a walking pedestrian crossing the future double tracks at an average walking speed of 5 km/h. Clear site lines only provide 130 metres visible distance due to the curve and the bush. Plainly this is a dangerous crossing. We plan to build a pedestrian overbridge at this site and to fence the tracks so that pedestrians are not able to cross the tracks on grade.

Privacy questions

At Glen Eden station, the new platform is planned to be built on or close to the boundary of six homes. The platform is elevated and looks down and into the gardens and houses of the residents - privacy and security is compromised. We plan to provide a fence or screen structure to maintain privacy and security of residents at Glen Eden. Details are still to be designed by ARTNL’s architects.

Impaired mobility questions

How do those in mobility scooters and wheelchairs cross the tracks?
At Henderson station they may use the lifts and over bridge that we intend to provide.  At Glen Eden and at Sunnyvale stations they may use the new ramps and over or under bridge still to be built.  At Fruitvale they will be required to cross on grade – improved smooth paving will be installed.

Parking questions

How much additional parking will be provided for commuters?
Significant increases in parking will be provided at designated park and ride locations – the main ones being at Glen Eden, Sunnyvale, Sturges and Swanson.  At Henderson approximately 120 bays will be dedicated to park and ride.  At Glen Eden the extra parking numbers still need to be planned and provided.  At Sunnyvale, the parking bays may be located to the west of the station but this is still subject to land development planning, with 120 proposed.  Fruitvale station is a local station and commuters will be encouraged to walk or get dropped off at the station.

Will my car be secure if I leave it at the station?
Security will be upgraded with cameras and lighting.  Security patrols will also be at designated park and ride areas.

Ticketing questions

How do I purchase a ticket?
These may be bought on the train from the guard using cash or a cheque.  Tickets may also be bought at Britomart.

Will auto ticketing be installed?
This is not planned although ARTA (the rail authority) may introduce this later.

Train service questions

How frequently will the trains run?
Initially four trains each hour in peak times. Once the remainder of the double tracking is completed, this will increase to six trains per hour at peak times.

Access questions

How do I reach the station?
Ideally by walking, cycling or catching the bus. There will be designated places for drop off and/ or parking (for cars and bikes) at most stations.

Can I take my bicycle on the train?
Yes – a small additional fee is payable. The guard may request that you and your bike be located in the end carriage to avoid discomfort to other commuters.

Land issues

Will the double tracking require obtaining ownership of any properties?
No, the rail service way is sufficiently wide to handle both rail tracks. Some park and ride facilities will require extra land and negotiations are already underway with the affected parties to procure this land.

Why is the new Fruitvale station not making use of the existing platform?
The platform is on a sharp curve and this does not provide enough safety distance for the train to stop in an emergency.

Will the Fruitvale station use any land of the adjacent park or tennis courts?
The double track and platforms will be situated inside the existing rail corridor. The park currently extends a few metres beyond its boundary and this area – which is grassed – will be returned to Ontrack for rail works. The existing swings and their surrounding timber border will not be in the way of double tracking and will be left as they are.

Level crossings for cars

With increased train frequency, how will cars cross from Glenview Road to West Coast Road and vice versa?
This road – rail intersection is being re-examined by road planners with a view to a future elevated road over rail bridge.  However this is subject to funding.

Will there be a road over rail bridge at Fruitvale Station?
The usage of Fruitvale Road is relatively low with low traffic volumes and no bridge is planned. However we do plan to install barrier arms at the crossing.

Schedule

When will the planned work be undertaken?
The work for stage 2 commences once LTNZ approves the funds. This is expected to be in June 2005 and should be completed about a year later.

Are you planning to work evenings and weekends?
In order to keep the rail services running with minimal disruption, work is planned to take place on Saturdays and Sundays on the track.  Work next to the track will be done during normal working hours – approximately 7 am to 6 pm. Occasional work will need to be done at night but this will be kept to a minimum and with due regard to noise and interference of neighbours.  Certain unique project work such as earthworks and retaining walls may be built over long weekends and in school holidays in order to offer minimal rail disruption.

Why is the double tracking from Avondale to New Lynn being done after stage 2?
ARTA is of the opinion that this short length of track does not create a choke on train frequencies of up to and including four trains per hour. Because of the difficulties surrounding the Titirangi Road over bridge and the New Lynn precinct, ARTA has elected to do this stage after the double tracking of stage 2.

Environment

Are you planning to remove trees and bush?
Some vegetation will be removed to make way for temporary storage sites.  All temporary sites will be re instated upon completion of the work. Arborists have already inspected the rail track and are satisfied that possibly only one native tree will need to be re planted.

Will your work cause pollution of the water courses?
This will be carefully managed and the necessary protective measures taken in order to ensure that no fouling of water ways occurs.

Existing services

How will you identify and protect existing water, power, gas and sewerage services?
The City Council has given a plan to the contractor showing the location of all known services. The contractor will carefully uncover these services by hand prior to using heavy earthmoving machinery.  In the event of a damaged or broken service, the contractor will repair the damage without delay.

Will my station still be open while work is being done?
This is still to be determined as in many cases the front edge of platforms will need to be replaced or new portions built. Consequently there may be a degree of inconvenience for travellers at various times, however advice will be given to passengers in advance of the work. Our desire is to retain services as close to normal as possible.

Will the train service be delayed during construction?
Trains will be required to travel more slowly in the vicinity of construction works.  Accordingly, a small delay is likely. This will be kept to a minimum through careful planning and the phasing of critical activities over weekends.

Links

Western rail corridor double-tracking - www.arta.co.nz
Rail station upgrades - www.artnl.co.nz