Shutdown

This weekend the rail system sees another shutdown, while at Papakura tracks are lifted ready for reconfiguration.

The wooden platforms have not almost completely been demolished

The dock platform hasn't really changed much

A large section of the northbound track (Up main) has been lifted, and new formation being dug out. Presumably this is to lay the new points, although the side platform track may run under the bridge

Signals somewhat redundantly protecting the end of the track

The formation works from the Clevedon Road bridge

Overview of the works in progress

On the north side of the bridge, the two tracks have been this far apart for a while - room for a third, but as to what the third will be is as of now not confirmed

Very little remains of the original crossovers, while as-yet-unused points remain disconnected

More shelter structures have appeared on the station building

Papakura's ticket machine, which goes live on 10 September. Interestingly this one will not take cash, unlike the rest on the network

Station building relocation: Photos

I finally managed to source some photos of the actual relocation of the station building from Auckland Transport (thanks Sharleen), and I've been told I'm allowed to share them here, so here you go :)

Cranes lift the building off its foundations

The station building hovers over the northbound track

Cranes lower the building onto the new foundations

Preparing to lower the building onto its new home

All finished, now the cranes pack up

State of the Station

Another shutdown is coming up this weekend, and prior to this work appears to have stalled - perhaps they've done all they can without disturbing trains, for now?

The station as it appears now does give a sneak peek at the completed station.

The station building is regaining what it lost prior to the move, and is starting to look more at home now that the platform is progressing

On a training run, a train heads south to Pukekohe, passing the partially demolished wooden platform

The partially demolished wooden platform and new platforms

The dock platform is also approaching the same stage of completion as the main platform

The large messy pit that was once here has now been filled in and has become a track formation. Note too the small exit from the main platform to the existing footpath

The station building now, having regained its shelter beams and a new north end

Building refurbishment

Papakura's station building is now starting to look a bit newer after a new wooden structure was put up at the north end.

The station building looking a bit healthier with a new north end

Height difference between the existing track, new trackbed and new platform

Platform update and an oopsie

The new platform is approaching completion, as is the trackbed. Can't be too long now until track is laid!

Work also continues on the end of the platform, which looks like it will connect to the existing footapth

The future footpath connection from another angle

Material in the platform levelled out ready for surfacing

The platform and trackbed ready to go

And a bit of an oops moment as a truck gets stuck while trying to leave the site

The truck was pulled out with a nearby digger

Post-move update

Since the station building's move, it has been stripped back to little more than a shell of its former self, in preparation for refurbishment.

The platform by the site where the building used to be is also being demolished

Diggers carry on working on the platform surface

The station building's remains

Now there's a great big hole in the end

Station Building: Change of Address

This morning the station building moved from its old home where it has sat for many a decade, across the tracks to its new home on the site of the former carpark/Platform 3.

The station building in its new home

Next to the building, platform works continue

The platform area where the building used to sit is now seeing light of day for the first time in decades

The station building as seen from the road

Old signs from Platform 3 lay next to temporary buildings

Unfortunately I was not in time to see the building actually being moved, but I am trying to source some photos to post here.

Pre-shutdown update

This weekend (11 and 12 August), trains once again are replaced by buses on the entire network, including at Papakura. Here's the state of the station prior to the shutdown.

The station building as of today

The two new platforms under construction

Foundations for the station building's future home nearing completion

The north end of station construction, with a much larger pit

The edge of the new platform

Behind the station building

Behind the station building and the new platforms

Something big is happening this weekend, but I've been told to keep it on the down low ;)

General update

Some general update photos from various locations.

Construction of the dock platform has started

Overview of the station with the new platforms under construction

Edging being filled and sub-platform filling being laid

Nearly ready to lay the surface

Filling of the turntable pit. The turntable itself ended up at Glenbrook Vintage Railway