KiwiRail crossing upgrades and closures

Last updated: 21 Oct, 2024 04:53pm

Wairarapa Line Upgrades

News & Updates

In Carterton

Timeline

Wairarapa Line Upgrades

Greater Wellington Regional Council and KiwiRail are working together to boost commuter train services in the Wairarapa region.

They intend to double train services from 10 to 20 per day as well as introduce new hybrid electric trains from 2029. Further information about this project in its entirety is available here: Wairarapa Line | KiwiRail

To assist in the delivery of this, KiwiRail are cabling the railway corridor between the Remutaka Tunnel and Masterton for new signalling systems, pedestrian maze gates, barrier arms, lights and bells. They  are also upgrading rail crossings right throughout Wairarapa region, with some bring permanently closed.

This is KiwiRail’s project and they will be in contact directly with residents who live within 100 metres of crossing works. Council will share KiwiRail updates on road works and closures.

You can contact KiwiRail at contactus@kiwirail.co.nz if you would like to talk to someone further about these works.

 

News & Updates

In Carterton

Kent, Belvedere, Pembroke and Brooklyn crossings will be fitted with barriers, flashing lights and bells, alongside roading upgrades [eg; markings and railings].

    What crossings are closing?

    You will remember in 2023 when KiwiRail announced that nearly all rail crossings in Carterton would close as part of the safety upgrade works. After feedback from Council and community, we were able to work together to reduce this to the closing of two crossings only, while continuing to meet the additional safety requirements associated with faster and more frequent trains on the line. These crossings are Victoria Street and Rhodes Street.

    • Victoria Street is scheduled to close in July 2025
    • Rhodes Street is scheduled to close in September 2025

    We know this will be a change for residents living on those streets, as well as those nearby who have previously used these roads as thoroughfares.

    The closures are a necessary trade off for faster and more frequent trains. There is no alternative so we’ll work to make this transition as smooth as we can from a Council perspective.

    Wheatstone Street, the section of road between Broadway and Belvedere, is owned by KiwiRail. As part of these safety improvements, they will make this street one way with vehicles only able to travel north. This is to avoid vehicles from queuing back across the railway line while waiting to turn. The change to one way will take effect as part of the Belvedere crossing upgrades.

    Why are Rhodes and Victoria Street crossings closing?

    KiwiRail have safety obligations they need to meet. Faster and more frequent trains increase risk, and they are required to reduce that risk as much as possible. To reduce risk in Carterton, they have opted to close these two level crossings – this significantly improves safety by removing interactions between trains, vehicles and people.

    Noise Controls

    The work involves:

    • Using machinery that may be noisy.
    • Daytime work mainly – 7.30am to 5pm, and mostly workdays with the occasional weekend.
    • Full road closures with traffic management in place.  We close the road to get the work done quickly and safely and will work with Council to make sure residents have plenty of notice.
    • Work will pause and Kent Street will reopen over the Christmas period.

    Timeline

    Works begin in November 2024 and will continue for the next 12 months – approximately six to eight weeks at each crossing location.

      • Kent Street [works to begin November 2024]
      • Belvedere Road [works to begin January 2025]
      • Pembroke Street [works to begin March 2025]
      • Brooklyn Road [works to begin June 2025]

    Each of these crossings will need to be closed while works occur. Detours will be in place.