KiwiRail and TrackSAFE NZ want motorists to take extra care as new research reveals more than three-quarters of significant vehicle collisions with trains occur in provincial towns and rural areas.
Trains will not run on the Eastern line between Britomart and Ōtāhuhu for two weeks as KiwiRail finishes work to replace worn rail on the passenger and freight line.
New Zealand authorities are urging people to pay attention around train tracks and level crossings to stay safe. The reminder comes as New Zealand Police and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency observe Rail Safety Week.
New Zealand is investing $1.2 billion NZD to help KiwiRail attract more customers and move more freight by rail, KiwiRail Group Chief Executive Greg Miller says.