Rail Capability

Downer provides whole-of-life capability in design, build and maintenance of rail network across New Zealand.

We deliver world-class rail solutions that enables communities to thrive.

In New Zealand, we deliver:

Large metro projects, including depots and stations
Civil construction and repair
Track maintenance and repair, including rail protection works
Pedestrian and vehicle level crossing renewal and upgrades
Bridge remediation and other structural works
Formation and drainage works
Installation works including overhead wiring and signalling, flash butt and thermite welding
Digital engineering including machine control, avoidance technology, clash and service strike avoidance, upfront as-building and mobile mapping
Positive sustainability outcomes

What we deliver

Downer’s proven track record on the country’s rail network gives our customers confidence in our ability to deliver their projects to the highest standard.

City Rail Link

City Rail Link is the largest transport infrastructure project ever undertaken in New Zealand with the 3.43km twin tunnel underground rail link set to transform Auckland.

Downer is curretly one of seven companies that form Link Alliance, delivering the main stations, tunnels and systems for Auckland’s game-changing City Rail Link (CRL).

Downer has also been a partner in the two joint ventures which delivered Contract’s One and Two for the project.

KiwiRail

Downer continues to partner with KiwiRail nationally, supporting Kiwi Rail to deliver projects that contribute to strengthening connections across New Zealand.

We self-perform a wide range of activities in a live rail environment, such as civil and track works, construction of maintenance facilities and supporting structures, signals and communications.

Digital Engineering

Digital Engineering is a core part of our offering. We have a strong team of thought leaders in this space, working closely with our business partners to develop innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges.

Using BIM to optimise construction of CRL projects

Downer’s Digital Engineering team has worked closely with CRL, designers, construction teams and MEP sub-contractors to produce a LOC 400 Construction BIM model to optimise construction planning and execution. Features include coordinated 3D models of supports and restraints, real-time as-built data capture via laser scanning, update of models, drawings and schedules and site set-out of hangers.

Mobile mapping of rail assets – a safer, more efficient method of data capture

Through our Road Science business, we have access to a Leica Pegasus II Ultimate mobile mapper, which is the only one of its type in New Zealand. Combining highly detailed and very accurate point cloud and photogrammetric datasets. It can be mounted to a range of vehicles, including specialist 4WD, high rail or flat deck carriages travelling up to 100 km/h.

Digital Transformation on Trentham to Upper Hutt

Digital shields protected workers and kept trains running on Kiwi Rail lines near Wellington, during the delivery of the Trentham to Upper Hutt Double Tracking project – the first of its kind to harness an invisible, digital shield in the railway corridor.

The shields protect overhead power lines and other sensitive areas by locking the controls of excavators if any part of the machine makes contact with it. Results include increased safety for excavator operators, as well as for the thousands of passengers who ride trains along the line on their daily commute. This technology was the result of collaboration between Downer, Aurecon, and Kiwi Rail.

Wellington Metro Upgrade (WMUP6A)

As part of our delivery of WMUP6A, a project which will build a better, more efficent and sustainable network for the Wellington community, we deliver digital engineering solutions that reduce potential network impacts of construction.

This includes building detailed digital modelling to plan relocation of signals and phasing of critical construction, to keep commuter and freight rail moving. In a project which will replace all signalling equipment at Wellington Railway Station and its approaches, this is a vital part of our delivery.

Sustainability Outcomes

The CRL C1 and C2 projects were the first in New Zealand to be delivered under the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) sustainable framework, with C2 being the first major infrastructure project to receive an “As Built” rating.

More recently, the project has been the first in the country to gain a “Leading” rating in the framework.

The IS rating scheme provides a comprehensive evaluation of sustainability across the planning, design, construction and operational phases of infrastructure projects.

Rail & Transit Systems

We are a leading provider of rollingstock asset management services in Australia, with expertise in delivering whole-of-life asset management support to our customers. Visit our page here.