Auckland Rail Electrification - Frequently Asked Questions
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Auckland Rail Electrification Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT ELECTRIFICATION
What is electrification?
Electrification is the installation of an
overhead wiring system above the Auckland
metropolitan rail network to power the new
electric commuter trains which will operate
from 2014.
Auckland Transport is buying the new fleet of
electric trains, usually called EMUs (Electric
Multiple Units). More information at
www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz
How long will it take to electrify the entire
network?
KiwiRail is working to a deadline of 2013 to
complete the infrastructure for electrification.
The first masts started appearing on the
Western Line in 2011, and the work is being
completed in phases.
Where will these wires go and how will they look?
Electrification will cover all train lines between Papakura and Swanson, including the
Manukau and Onehunga branch lines.
The overhead wires carrying 25,000 volts of electricity will run immediately above the rail
tracks, held up by masts that will run either between or alongside the tracks. Each mast will
be 3m from the centre of each track.
How do the wires work?
A structure on the top of the new trains called pantograph maintains contact with these wires
at all times so the electricity can power the train’s engine.
How much will the project cost?
The Government has provided a funding of $500 million for the infrastructure for
electrification.
EMERGENCIES
What should I do in case of an emergency?
In the event of an emergency at a level crossing or anywhere else on the rail network call
the KiwiRail emergency number 0800 808 400.
2 www.kiwirail.co.nz
LEVEL CROSSINGS
What happens at level crossings?
The overhead wires mean height restrictions are
now in place at all level crossings in Auckland. The
safe height restriction is clearly signposted at each
level crossing. It is set at 5 metres at most level
crossings, with a few at 4.25 metres.
This restriction will not affect ordinary motorists or
pedestrians – always check the height of what you
are carrying/ towing (e.g. fishing rods on boats,
ladders).
Motorists in vehicles or towing loads that exceed
these restrictions should choose an alternative
route or will need to gain prior permission to use
the level crossing. Call KiwiRail on 04 474 2323 for
more information and to make the arrangements.
Find out more about newly introduced height
restrictions at Auckland's level crossings by visiting:
www.kiwirail.co.nz
SAFETY
Can people get electrocuted by the wires?
As with all power lines, the system is designed so people doing ordinary things won’t get hurt.
However as with all power lines, you must treat the overhead wires and the fittings that
carry them as live and dangerous at all times.
Keep clear of tracks; only cross at level crossings
Don’t take shortcuts along or across railway tracks
Make sure anything you are carrying is well clear of overhead wires.
If you have children make sure they are aware of the dangers of the electrical
wires. Make sure they know not to play or walk near train tracks
The electric wires carry 25,000 volts, which is 100 times more powerful than that used in
homes. This makes the wires extremely dangerous; they can be potentially deadly to anyone
who contacts them or comes too close to them, as electricity can arc (jump) across gaps and
can also travel through water or other liquids.
The masts carrying the electrified overhead wires will be 6m - 7m tall, and the wires will be
directly over the rail tracks. Screening will be in place to prevent any accidental contact at
bridges or alongside walkways.
Will the electric network be tested before taking passengers?
The electric network and trains will undergo extensive testing and commissioning prior to
being deployed for regular passenger services.
3 www.kiwirail.co.nz
How does the power supply compare to the power lines outside my house?
The power lines supplying your house are at a much lower voltage of 400 V and 230 V, and
insulated between the pole and the house. The power lines along the road are insulated and
have either low voltage (400 V) or high voltage (11,000 V and 33,000 V). The traction wires
are bare conductors and operate at 25,000 V. This power supply configuration is very
different as the systems conform to different electrical regulations and legislation.
Will the wires create electro-magnetic fields (EMF)?
Electro-magnetic fields (EMF) are created by electricity. The EMF strength is directly related
to the size of the voltage and current, and the distance from the conductor. They are
generated by any conductor (e.g. overhead wires) that has a current and is above the ground.
EMF is associated with:
power transmission - the bulk transfer of electrical power from one place to another,
generally from power stations to substations; and
power distribution system - transferring power from the substation to users.
Power transmission has higher EMF levels because of the greater magnitude of the voltages
and currents.
Are the electro-magnetic fields from the traction system harmful to my health?
The electrified system to be installed in Auckland is the same safe system as that constructed
in Brisbane and Perth in Australia, and many other locations around the world. The system
complies with all the requirements of the guidelines developed by the National Radiation
Laboratory, and therefore the levels of EMFs are no greater than those produced by the local
power distribution network. They are generally much less than the Transpower transmission
network.
KiwiRail engaged specialist consultants to review the levels of EMF to be expected on and
adjacent to the rail corridor. They advised that electric and magnetic fields (EMF) levels will
comply with the levels set by the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation
Protection (ICNIRP), which are accepted for use in New Zealand by the National Radiation
Laboratory (NRL).
Testing will be carried out, once the system is energised and the new electric trains are
running, to determine actual levels of EMF against those predicted in the consultant’s report.
Will the EMFs interfere with the electronics in my house or office?
The electrification infrastructure and trains will be required to meet strict international
standards regarding electromagnetic compatibility.
Given the significant variation in electronic devices available, it is not possible to say that no
devices will be impacted, however it is very unlikely, based on experiences associated with
the recent construction and electrification in Australia.
4 www.kiwirail.co.nz
VISUAL IMPACT
Will there be the same type of masts across the network?
No, there will be a few different styles of masts around the Auckland rail network.
Why will there be different types of masts? What are the different options?
Different masts are needed to maintain the wires in the right place to ensure power reaches
the train.
The governing factors include geographical location and ground conditions, track alignment
and clearance restrictions from the masts to the trains and adjacent properties. To allow for
this three types of foundation and mast installations have been developed.
The first, and preferred, is the single track cantilever (STC) installed on each side of the double
track network. The second is a twin track cantilever (TTC) which spans two tracks but installed
on one side only. The third is a portal frame which spans multiple tracks used mainly in
complex operational areas where the two previous methods can’t be used.
Single track cantilever (STC)
Twin track cantilever (STC) Portal frame
5 www.kiwirail.co.nz
Why are you putting up these wires instead of electrifying the tracks as they do in
London?
Auckland has many level crossings, and there are a number of points where railway tracks
are easily accessible. As such, there are important safety considerations.
The traction system will also be compatible with the system used on the North Island Main
Trunk (NIMT). All new electrified networks throughout the world are installed using 25 kV AC
systems.
Some rail systems use low voltage DC systems. These systems are only used in fully
enclosed environments such as the London Underground, and are generally where the rail
network was constructed at a time when only DC systems were available.
What have you done to consider the visual aspects of the masts and wires?
KiwiRail engaged a landscape architect to conduct a visual sensitivity report prior to choosing
the mast type for Auckland’s future electrified network.
The landscape architect considered many options keeping in mind three key parameters – 1.
visual impact, 2. engineering limitations, and 3. cost.
Based on this, the report recommended steel single track cantilevers (STCs) as the “most
cost-effective” and “the least visually intrusive” electrification structures, which could be
installed in most parts of the network while still meeting engineering specifications.
What about impact in visually sensitive areas, such as the waterfront and residential
areas?
The majority of the line passes through a low quality of visual environment on either side of
the line, such as industrial and commercial structures. The masts and overhead wires are
unlikely to generate adverse visual effects in such areas.
In residential areas and publically visual areas such as Hobson Bay, the STCs are considered
to have the least visual impact since these are the thinnest of the various options considered,
and have the least profile. Wherever engineering constraints permit, the design provides for
installation of these less intrusive structures in visually sensitive areas.
In most cases, the STC structures will gradually weather and blend into the environment,
similar to street light and power poles in the road corridor.
What will be the visual impact on heritage stations?
The overhead wires network has been designed to reduce the number of masts near heritage
stations. However, some masts will be required and all masts within station precincts will be
painted to match the existing station infrastructure.
6 www.kiwirail.co.nz
CONSTRUCTION
Why do you have to do the electrification work at night?
More frequent train services are great for commuters; but they also mean we have less
opportunity during daylight hours to get all our work done. There is a lot of work on and
immediately next to the tracks which can’t be done safely or effectively while trains are
running.
It is often safer, quicker and easier for us to do the work at night when there are few or no
trains, and on some weekends and public holidays when the tracks are closed. This also
means we can get the work done a lot more quickly, instead of dragging the disruption out
over weeks or months.
We know our work can be disruptive at times and we do our best to provide plenty of advance
warning about our night and weekend activities. We also work with our contractors to
minimise disruption and noise wherever possible.
Will the power required by the electrified network increase the chance of ‘blackouts’?
Auckland’s electrified rail network will be powered through direct connection to the national
high voltage 220 kV power transmission network. It will add about 1 per cent to the demand of
the Auckland power supply system. There is therefore no increased risk of blackouts from the
installation of this system.
PASSENGERS
I use trains all the time - will I need to do anything different at stations?
Generally no; but the new electric trains will look and sound different to current trains. You will
need to familiarise yourself with how the new trains operate. For example, door operations
may be slightly different; there will be a different layout inside the trains compared to what you
get today (including steps). Also, the new trains are longer than today's trains and will stop at
different points on the platform.
If you follow the usual safety precautions needed at a train station you will be safe:
It is even more important to stand behind the yellow tactiles because the new
trains will be quieter and faster and not may stop at all stations
Always use dedicated pedestrian footpaths to access railway stations
What if Auckland has a power cut?
The traction network is supplied from two separate Transpower substations which feed to
separate but interlinked rail substations. The traction system supplying the trains is fed from
substations that have a redundancy built in to reduce the likelihood of a ‘blackout’ occurring.
The rail network’s substations are fed from two dedicated cables from the Transpower
substations which further reduces the risk of any local blackout impacting the network.
7 www.kiwirail.co.nzTRAINS
Will electric trains be quieter than diesel trains?
Yes, electric trains are quieter than diesel trains. This means there is even more reason for
motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to take care when using level crossings and to ‘Stop, look
and listen’ for trains.
A safety awareness programme will be launched prior to the introduction of electrified
services to educate the community on the dangers of electrification, quieter trains and general
rail safety.
Will diesel trains still be able to operate on the electrified lines?
Diesel trains will be able to operate on the electrified network; however only a small number
of diesel trains will run on the network, including existing freight services.
BENEFITS
Why do we need electrification?
Electrification will support the development of a modern, sustainable public transport system
for Auckland. Along with the delivery of quieter, cleaner new rolling stock, the electrified
system will provide a platform for a more modern and efficient train service for commuters.
Electric trains are cheaper to purchase, and have lower operational and maintenance costs.
How will electrification benefit me?
Electrification will deliver a more comfortable and efficient network for train commuters, along
with environmental benefits such as reduced noise, vibration and local air pollution.
As well as providing benefits to rail passengers, there may be less congestion on Auckland’s
roads as more people leave their cars at home.
Is electrification good for the environment?
The environmental benefits of electrification include reduced noise, vibration and local air
pollution through lack of exhaust fumes.
8 www.kiwirail.co.nzYou can also read
