Présentation :

As Auckland continued to grow, its rail network faced a fundamental constraint. With increasing passenger demand and the need for better public transport connectivity, Auckland required a transformational infrastructure solution capable of supporting the city for decades to come.

Designed to transform the way people move across Auckland, the City Rail Link (CRL) project removes the rail network’s long-standing dead-end constraint at Britomart, strengthens connections between the city centre and the wider rail network, and creates the capacity needed to support a growing population for decades to come. The City Rail Link (CRL) is New Zealand’s first underground railway and one of the country’s most significant transport infrastructure projects.

As part of the project’s delivery, Omexom played a key role in providing and integrating critical electrical and communications infrastructure across the alliance environment, helping to support the safe and efficient construction of this landmark transport asset.

Delivering Complex Underground Infrastructure

Operating within the challenging conditions of underground stations, shafts and tunnels, Omexom was responsible for delivering a comprehensive range of electrical and communications infrastructure across the City Rail Link project.

The scope included the installation and integration of high-voltage and low-voltage power systems, communications and fibre cabling, cable containment infrastructure, station electrical services, and rail signalling and earthing systems. The scale of the work was significant, involving approximately 10,000 metres of HV cabling and around 730,000 metres of LV and communications cabling, delivered across more than 800,000 work hours. Omexom also delivered two traction sectioning cabins, which were constructed off-site before being transported, installed and commissioned as part of the rail network.

These systems form part of Auckland’s 25 kV electrified rail network, providing the reliable traction power required to support more frequent train services and the significant capacity increases that CRL will deliver.

The work demanded close coordination across a complex alliance delivery model involving Link Alliance, City Rail Link Limited, KiwiRail and numerous specialist contractors. Managing interfaces between multiple trades while maintaining safety and programme performance within constrained underground environments was among the project’s most significant challenges.

Innovation Driven

The complexity of the underground works encouraged the development of practical innovations that improved safety, efficiency and productivity.

For the HV installation works, Omexom designed and developed a motorised and hydraulically powered cable drum stand equipped with remote operation, variable speed control and controlled braking. The solution provided greater control when moving heavy cable through complex vertical and horizontal routes, helping crews manage installations more safely and efficiently.

The project team also collaborated with Omexom’s Mt Wellington workshop to create a tunnel cable rolling pole, a purpose-built tool that enabled cable to be installed onto elevated cable trays more effectively. The innovation reduced the need for ladder work, minimised physical strain on crews and improved installation productivity throughout the tunnels.

  • CRL has been a defining project for our team, not only because of its scale and technical complexity, but because of what it will mean for Auckland. We are proud of the role Omexom has played, but the achievement belongs to the many people and organisations who worked together to deliver it. Our team showed real capability, commitment and problem-solving throughout, and it is something they should be very proud of.

    Liam Flack Business Unit General Manager, Omexom in New Zealand

  • Europe’s challenge is no longer to define ambitious energy targets, but to deliver the infrastructure required to turn those ambitions into reality

    André Lamounier Project Manager, Transmission Grids Solution, Omexom

  • Winning this project was due to the customer’s satisfaction with our adherence to deadlines and the performance our teams showed. 

    Luís Silva Business Unit General Manager at Omexom in Portugal
  • Frank Westphal

    EM-Power Europe is an important platform for us. Here, we show how Omexom is making a tangible contribution to the energy transition. The fact that we are organising our presence at the event together with our international colleagues also highlights the strength of our global network.

    Frank Westphal CEO of Omexom in Germany

  • This renewed trust confirms our offshore competence and the performance of our teams in Germany and the Benelux countries. Together, we ensure the reliable operation of the substations, contributing to the safe integration of offshore wind energy into the energy system.

    Irina Lucke Managing Director and Head of the Offshore Business Area, Omexom in Germany

These innovations reflected the team’s focus on continuous improvement and practical problem-solving in a highly demanding construction environment.

Building Capacity for Auckland’s Future

The City Rail Link consists of a 3.45-kilometre twin-tunnel underground rail connection linking Waitematā Station with the redeveloped Maungawhau Station, while introducing two new underground stations in Auckland’s city centre.

Once fully operational, CRL will enable Auckland’s rail network to at least double its capacity, significantly improving the efficiency, frequency and accessibility of public transport services. Published forecasts indicate that CRL stations may need to accommodate approximately 54,000 passengers per hour during peak periods by 2035, highlighting the project’s importance to the region’s future growth.

By improving rail connectivity and reducing travel times, the project is expected to support greater public transport usage while helping to reduce road congestion across the city.

Delivering Sustainable and Lasting Benefits

Beyond its transport outcomes, City Rail Link represents a major investment in Auckland’s sustainable future. By providing a reliable and efficient alternative to private vehicle travel, the project is intended to contribute to lower transport emissions and support broader environmental objectives.

The wider CRL project was designed and constructed under the Infrastructure Sustainability Council framework, achieving Leading sustainability ratings, including a Leading As-Built rating across the full project.

The project also delivered important social benefits through employment, training and workforce development initiatives. For Omexom, participation in CRL helped strengthen local capability, develop specialist skills aligned with New Zealand industry requirements and provide employees with experience on one of the nation’s most technically demanding infrastructure projects.

As Auckland prepares for a new era of public transport, City Rail Link stands as a landmark infrastructure achievement. Through technical expertise, innovation and collaboration, Omexom helped deliver critical systems that will support the movement of millions of passengers for generations to come.

Read Omexom’s LinkedIn post for additional project insights, team perspectives and highlights from Omexom’s involvement in the delivery of Auckland’s transformational City Rail Link project.

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