Freight operations between Blenheim and Christchurch have resumed on New Zealand’s Main North Line, which has recently undergone months-long repair works after the Kaikoura Earthquake late last year.
Freight trains had initially started running again on the Main North Line in September, with low-frequency services running five nights a week to allow repair and rebuilding work to continue.
However, services were suspended after exceptionally high levels of rain in Kaikoura impacted on the rail link. Heavy rain in September and at the beginning of October reportedly led to 30 slips in the area, including three major slips, which saw material come down onto the rail and road.
While the line remains vulnerable to exceptionally heavy rainfall and seismic events, Todd Moyle, KiwiRail’s group general manager of network services, indicated that recent favourable weather conditions and extensive maintenance work had allowed the line to re-open for freight services this week.
“There will be two return freight services scheduled to operate each night. That enables work on the road reconstruction to continue during the day,” Moyle said.
While the services will be limited and run at a low frequency for the time being, KiwiRail expects that the re-opening will allow 2000 trucks to be taken off the inland road route each month, which has had to shoulder the majority of freight since the earthquake almost 12 months ago.
“We will continue to work towards restoring the line to its full operating capacity over the coming months,” Royle said.
Hi All,
Good on Kiwi Rail! When it becomes easier to throw in the Towels etc, The Gvmnt and Kiwi Rail have Kept Pace and gone ahead with the Necessary Repairs, Yes it has Taken a While but it also shows the Commitment to Rail. Here is Hoping things will Work Out on the Long Term and the Commitment to Rail Remains Strong.
HI Andrew
Remember capitals are for proper names and beginnings of sentences, no for every second word.