A major upgrade of the rail line between Auckland and Northland would cost $1.3 billion and there is no demand for the freight capacity it would bring, a Ministry of Transport business case says. SCOTT HAMMOND/STUFF A major upgrade of the rail line to Northland is considered 'marginal' (file photo). The $1.3 billion cost retained a single rail line and required larger tunnels and new bridges to bring it up to modern freight standards. The study found while the economic benefit was low, an upgraded rail line would have strategic value in boosting activity in Northland. While the study found the economic argument "marginal", it also underlined the impact on Northland of the existing poor-standard rail line.

Source: Stuff May 20, 2019 06:02 UTC