Manukau Courier reports the new Wiri inland port is to start operating in January 2010. The port’s new rail exchange (pictured above) is progressing with two of the three rail siding tracks that will connect the inland port to the Ports of Auckland container facility on the Waitemata harbour. Ports of Auckland managing director Jens Madsen says the first train is expected to arrive early in the New Year:
“This is about bringing the seaport right to the doorstep of businesses in south Auckland.
“Exporters and importers will be able to drop off and pick up containers without having to negotiate the Auckland motorways.”
Once fully operational, the inland port will save as many as 100,000 central city truck trips each year.
