KiwiRail will work with farmers to collect data on the estimated 1,300 private level crossings around New Zealand’s rail network, so they can be routinely inspected and maintained.
KiwiRail’s general manager for investment, planning and risk David Gordon estimates roughly 700 of New Zealand’s 1,300 private crossings are either undocumented or unauthorised.
“We want to make sure that the public and our people go home at the end of the day,” Gordon said. “To do that, we need to know where people are crossing out tracks, and we need to ensure they are doing it safely.
“That means we need to have a formal, legal record of all crossings, and we need to know that they are up to standard in areas such as the approach to the crossing, sight lines, signs and formation.”
Gordon said KiwiRail has developed its policy after discussions with the Federated Farmers, and other interested parties.
He stressed KiwiRail was not seeking to build a revenue stream from the crossings, but was looking to recoup costs by charging farmers with the cost of inspections of crossings on their land.
“That is estimated at $50 to $100 per crossing, with inspections every two years,” Gordon said.
“Farmers will be responsible for the cost of any work needed to make sure the crossing is safe to use,” he added. “This generally includes the removal of vegetation to ensure adequate view lines, paying to maintain the road/track surface, and any other works required to meet current safety standards and prevent damage to the railway.”