The NZ Transport Agency and KiwiRail are advising Tauranga road users that next week some level crossings will have no active alarms to warn them a train is approaching.
Between 6pm Monday 14th November and 7am Tuesday 15th November warning devices (including alarm bells, flashing lights and barrier arms) will not be operating.
The affected level crossings are situated at Matapihi road and State Highway 29a. There will be traffic controllers assisting rail crossing users at these sites. The public should abide by all warning signs and directions of staff.
The crossings at Hull Road, Wharf Street and Spring Street will also only have limited warnings in place. At these sites warning devices will only activate as the train nears the crossing.
Trains will be travelling at 10 kilometres an hour when approaching all of these sites.
The whole rail network is affected while trains are switched to the new Matapihi Rd railway line.
KiwiRail is reminding rail crossing users to “expect trains at any time, from either direction” and especially while trains are switched to the new line.
The switch involves removing the existing level crossing alarms and installing them in the new location.
The railway line was moved as part of the preliminary work for the Baypark to Bayfair link upgrade project.
The purpose of the Baypark to Bayfair link upgrade project is to provide the best long-term solution to improve congestion, travel time and safety for all road users along State Highway 2 between Baypark and Bayfair.
Read more about the project here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/b2b(external link)
