Homai Train Station in Wiri will reopen when train services return on 28 January. Photo: Supplied via LDR
A South Auckland train station, that had pedestrian level crossings removed to improve safety, is now ready for more frequent train services when the City Rail Link opens.
Homai Train Station, in Wiri, on the Southern Line, was blessed on Thursday by mana whenua, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua and will re-open to passengers when train services resume on 28 January.
Work on the station focused mainly on improvements to help the local blind and low vision community.
Three accesses to the Homai Train Station - all frequently used by the Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ (BLENNZ) school close by - were removed to be replaced by a new ramp.
Auckland Transport programme director Kris Gibson said it was one of many projects AT and KiwiRail were carrying out during the month-long closure of Auckland's rail network
"Replacing the level crossings with this new accessible ramp and stairs will make it safer to access Homai Station, where there will be an increased number of trains running once the CRL opens in 2026," Gibson said.
"In particular, it will be safer for people accessing the nearby BLENNZ School and Blind Low Vision NZ South Auckland office and Guide Dog Training Centre."
A new modular-structure ramp now runs from Browns Road Bridge to the station, along with new lighting, wider footpaths and new pathways from the carpark and Mcvilly Road.
The ramp colour scheme and bright yellow handrail was specifically designed to be high contrast, helping people with low vision to differentiate between the sloping and flat sections of the ramp.
"We engaged with the community early and their feedback helped us make sure the upgrades to Homai Station will benefit those who use it."
The new ramp includes improvements to benefit the local blind and low vision community. Photo: Supplied via LDR
BLENNZ School Homai principal Saul Taylor said they were delighted with the 'excellent level of inclusion' and connection with AT's project team.
"The benefits will be felt for many years to come," Taylor said.
"The engagement with BLENNZ has been invaluable and we have felt listened to throughout the project."
He said by including their suggestions and working alongside them so closely, the walkways and new ramp for the station would be more accessible, safe, and enjoyable for the whole school community.
The Southern Line train services resume from 28 January. At Homai, trains will run every 20 minutes all day, and every 30 minutes in the evening, between Ōtāhuhu and Waitematā (Britomart), and Papakura and Homai.
The Rail Bus Southeast (RBSE) will run between Homai - Manukau - Puhinui - Papatoetoe - Middlemore - Ōtāhuhu.
From 3 February, full train services will resume.
The Southern Line will run between Waitematā (Britomart) and Pukekohe.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
