Work is beginning immediately on restoring freight services on the main north line from Picton to Christchurch says KiwiRail boss Peter Reidy.
The complexity of the job ahead means no date can yet be set for reopening the line, but work will begin in conjunction with NZTA.
KiwiRail’s teams of engineers have been analysing the damaged parts of the main north line since the earthquake last month and have detailed plans of where work will begin.
“Safety is always our number one concern, we won’t rush the necessary measures that need to be taken, but we will be working intelligently at speed,” says Reidy.
“This is an enormous job. We have 21 tunnels, 80 bridges, and a lot of twisted or broken track to fix,” he says.
“KiwiRail will look for temporary fixes in some parts of the line to allow for freight-only rail services in the first instance while completion of the permanent road and rail lines is underway,” says Reidy.
“This will ease pressure on SH7 and SH63, as the roads have struggled under the influx of freight trucks during the peak period,” he says.
“KiwiRail will use the latest technology in slip identification and movement to allow our train drivers to navigate areas while safely making permanent repairs,” says Reidy.
“While there will be time delays on the route once opened, it will offer a reliable, cost-effective service with fewer emissions for our customers while taking heavy vehicles off the roads,” he says.
Every tonne of freight moved by rail delivers a 66% reduction in emissions for our customers, and the country,” says Reidy.
“KiwiRail’s Scenic Journey, the Coastal Pacific, will also return to the route though the timing is unclear at this stage,” he says.
