A stunning country on the other side of the world is transforming its infrastructure – creating new stations and underground lines in a giant mega-project costing more than £2bn.
When you think of New Zealand, you probably think of lush green rolling hills, striking mountains and spectacular vistas. Oh, and a tiny population given the size of the country.
With only 52 people per square mile and a population of just 5.12 million, New Zealand is one of the world’s least densely populated countries. By point of comparison, the UK is much closer to the top of the list of the world’s most densely populated countries at 728 peole per square mile.
But, given the scarcity of human life in New Zealand, it may come as a surprise to learn that the country is about to embark on a £2.1bn infrastructure project designed to ferry thousands of people about every single hour. However, the city of Auckland on the country’s north island, is in the midst of a major rail revamp.
The City Rail Link (CRL) is set to revolutionise the city’s infrastructure and will be able to move 54,000 passengers an hour. Despite New Zealand having a low and sparse population, the city of Auckland is home to more than 30 percent of it.
That means the city needs a modern rail network to manage the travel demands of its residents. According to construction company Downer, the CRL is a “huge project with an equally huge impact on Auckland’s growth and prosperity.”
However, the city does have a rail network as it is and the new track is only going to be 3.45km long.
There is money being spent on two brand spanking new underground stations on the new stretch of line, which explains some of the fees.
However, according to the CRL project overview the new line will “better connect” the whole city’s rail network.
Sean Sweeney, CRL Chief Executive, said of the project: “In a city experiencing enormous growth, this infrastructure investment is of vital importance to Auckland. It supports the ongoing economic development of the city and meets the ever-growing demand for public transport”.
Such is the ambition of the project it is officially “the largest transport infrastructure project New Zealand has ever built”.
It is expected to be completed in 2025.
