Train passengers expected to be told to take the bus or make alternative arrangements. 

KiwiRail probably won’t be able to restructure its balance sheet this year - a strategy the state-owned railway said in October could see a $6 billion writedown of its commercial assets.

KiwiRail will sell its Dunedin workshop after the state-owned railroad awarded contracts for new rolling stock to overseas-based manufacturers.

Full-year earnings for the state-owned railroad are expected to miss their target regardless of rising freight volumes.