Auckland’s $2.86 billion City Rail Link (CRL) has been delayed by two years after officials voted to commence work later to coincide with the start funding contributions from central government.
Construction of the 3.5-kilometre underground rail link will now not start until 2018/19 on the assumption that funding from central government, which accounts for half of the project’s total cost, will not materialise until then.
Preliminary works will still take place over the next three years, but the main construction activity will not begin until 2018/19, with a completion date of 2023.
Mayor Len Brown says: “We have a track record of success with central government when it comes to the CRL – we have moved them from a position of total opposition to one of commitment for funding half the project from the year 2020.
“Yes, we still have to work with government on final timing, but I’m confident we can come to an agreement and get on and get this job done.”
