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Auckland’s Eastern and Southern train lines face significant disruption after a train and its passengers were left stranded near Middlemore Station.

Auckland Transport (AT) issued an alert that said an overhead powerline issue near Middlemore Station has caused Eastern Line services to only run between Waitematā and Ōtāhuhu, with Southern Line trains facing the same restrictions.

Commuters have been advised to expect delays and cancellations, with scheduled buses accepting all AT Hop Cards and Rail Tickets.

AT were approached for comment, but directed inquiries to KiwiRail.

A KiwiRail spokesperson said a signalling related issue with an electric Auckland One Rail train north of Middlemore Station resulted in it being stranded about 10.40am.

“As a result there are disruptions on the Eastern and Southern Lines.

Eastern and Southern Line trains have been severely affected by a signal failure near Middlemore Station. Photo / Jason Oxenham

“KiwiRail is currently working to rescue the stranded train. The 24 passengers aboard have disembarked.

“KiwiRail and Auckland One Rail will be investigating this incident and we apologise for the disruption caused.”

Eastern and Southern Line trains are still leaving Waitematā station, but several Eastern Line services have been cancelled including: 4.07pm, 4.27pm, 4.47pm, 5.07pm, 5.27pm, 5.37pm, 5.47pm, 6.07pm, 6.27pm, 6.47pm, 7.07pm and 10.47pm.

Western Line trains have also been impacted.

AT has warned those who usually takes these trains to “expect delays and cancellations to Western line services due to crew displacement,” and the 4.43pm and 6.53pm services from Waitematā have been cancelled.

Elsewhere on the network, the Onehunga Line will be closed for overnight works from 9.30pm tonight.

The Southern Line will also be shut for night works from the same time this evening.

Rail replacement buses will be available for these cancelled trains.

This disruption follows a near month-long shutdown of Auckland’s rail network for improvements.

All four train lines were completely shut from December 27 to January 18 and from January 27 to 29.

AT said the work is scheduled for summer holidays as fewer people are travelling.

The network will be closed again from Waitangi Day, Friday February 6, to Sunday February 8 as part of “essential track and rail infrastructure upgrades.”