Ports of Auckland MD Jens Madsen.

Construction of the rail exchange at Wiri Inland Port in South Auckland is on schedule, with completion expected in January 2010.

A major milestone has been achieved with two of the three rail siding tracks that will connect the inland port to the Waitemata seaport now in place, and work is under way on the concrete hardstand.

Ports of Auckland MD Jens Madsen says the first train should arrive early in the New Year.

"Exporters and importers will be able to drop off and pick up containers without having to negotiate the Auckland motorways."

The project will enable containers to be moved to and from the seaport by rail, saving as many as 100,000 central city truck trips a year once the service is fully operational.