Wellington Metro Upgrade Programme (WMUPII)

The Wellington Metro Upgrade Programme is a collaboration of KiwiRail and Greater Wellington Regional Council (Metlink) to upgrade the existing rail network providing a more efficient service and an overall greater capacity for commuters.

This project was the second stage of the Wellington Metro Upgrade Programme (WMUP II), and specifically related to Overhead Traction Design & Construction Services, to complete the renewal of all the remaining legacy WEA traction overhead electric line system. The project involved the detailed design, construction, commissioning and handover of completed sections of renewed overhead line system, on an existing operating electrified railway. The overhead system and fittings required were largely based on the Melbourne’s 1,500v DC traction system as a way of providing a high level of performance that requires minimal maintenance.

Alpha Rails scope of work for the WMUP II project comprised the traction overhead wiring design and system allocation (allocation design). We completed the specific tasks associated with the completion of the Concept Design activities up to issued for construction documentation.

The services provided by Alpha Rail included:

• Detailed designs including 3D BIM model
• Provision of materials schedule to enable procurement
• Switching and electrical sectioning design
• Construction staging for wire run installation