KiwiRail Upgrades: Wairarapa Line

Stations Tracks Signals Structures

Description

To support Metlink’s Lower North Island Integrated Mobility project, KiwiRail is undertaking a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the Wairarapa Line.
The upgrade includes:
  • Signalling: Installing a signalling system between Featherston and Masterton, which will require a 43km duct along the entire route to bring power to the signals.
  • Level crossings: Making safety improvements on most of the Wairarapa Line’s 30 level crossings. The addition of bells, barriers and pedestrian mazes will improve safety for both vehicles and pedestrians. Some crossings will be realigned to allow for better sightlines. A small number of crossings will be closed permanently to vehicles.
  • Passing loops: A new track layout at Woodside will allow trains to pass each other.

  • Freight: A new freight siding and backshunt (wagon storage) at Waingawa.

Updates

Benefits

These upgrades will support and enable Metlink’s plans for more peak and off-peak services for the Wairarapa in coming years.

New signals along the line will increase safety for road and rail users, increase the efficiency of train movements and allow more than one train at a time in the Featherston to Masterton section.

Level crossing upgrades will improve safety for vehicles, pedestrians and rail passengers.

More information

North Island Rail Connection

 

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