The first track gangs have started work on the Wairoa-Napier rail line in an effort to have trains running by the end of the year.
KiwiRail network services group general manager Henare Clarke says it’s an “important milestone”.
“We’ve had structures staff working on the bridges, and contractors clearing vegetation, but this is the first time we’ve had track staff on the line.
“They will be re-sleepering the track. This is a vital part of getting it ready to go again,” Clarke says.
The five-person gang is based in Palmerston North.
Severe weather in March caused some extra damage to the line but KiwiRail is still confident the line will be ready for trains to run by the end of the year.
The line is being re-opened by KiwiRail using funding from the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund, and will be used to transport logs to Napier.
The Government has allocated $5 million to the project, which is expected to take two years to fully complete.
KiwiRail has estimated that using the Wairoa-Napier line to move the logs could take up to 5,714 trucks a year off the road, and reduce carbon emissions by 1292 tonnes.
“This is an important project for the region, and for KiwiRail, and we are committed to getting it done,” Clarke says.
