Marsden Point Rail Link moves closer to key decision

Marsden Point Rail Link has entered another planning phase, with KiwiRail naming three construction partners for a design sprint built around lower-cost delivery options.

Rail Minister Winston Peters said KiwiRail had selected three experienced infrastructure builders for the next stage: Acciona, a Downer/HEB joint venture, and Martinus Rail. The companies were named in a New Zealand Government release as the shortlisted contenders for the design sprint. Their task now is to compete on design options that could reduce the expected cost of the 19-kilometre railway and give the government more confidence to proceed with funding.

Marsden Point Rail Link shortlist targets cheaper construction

The design sprint is intended to test practical ways of making the project more cost-effective while keeping its core purpose unchanged. According to the government, the shortlisted companies will look at the rail alignment, earthworks volumes, construction sequencing, and possible alternatives for dealing with ground conditions.

Bridge and level crossing options will also be reviewed as part of the process. As a result, KiwiRail and the government should have a wider set of construction approaches to assess before the project advances toward any funding decision.

Northport rail connection remains central to the case

Peters has described the rail connection as necessary for the region. KiwiRail’s Northland rail overview also presents Northport as one of the few New Zealand ports without a rail connection. Peters said the port needs a rail link like other major ports in New Zealand, especially because major shipping lines have identified Northport as important to the country’s export future.

“This 19-kilometre railway is needed. It is blindingly obvious that Northport requires a rail connection like every other major port in this country and more specifically for a port identified by the major shipping lines as critical to New Zealand’s export future,” he said.

KiwiRail opens design data to the market

The government has changed how the project is being handled since resuming responsibility for rail. KiwiRail has opened its design data to the market, so companies can prepare their own proposals at their own cost and look for cheaper construction methods.

The official Marsden Point Rail Link project listing describes the scheme as an approximately 19-kilometre rail link corridor connection. Peters compared the current approach with the government’s work on ferries. “Just as we have done with the ferries, our no-nonsense approach to infrastructure knows no boundaries,” he said.