MEDIA RELEASE

January 16, 2009

Two Trains – Two Tracks – Take Care

Waitakere City Council and ONTRACK, the government agency that owns and manages the railway network, are urging pedestrians and motorists to be extra careful at level crossings as the Western Line reopens on Monday (January 19).

The line has been closed, and commuters using buses, since Christmas Eve to allow ONTRACK to carry out significant construction work at several sites around the network including the New Lynn undergrounding project.

With the double tracking from Titirangi Rd to Swanson and trains running more frequently, means commuters and motorists should always expect a train at any time.

“Over the past month people may have got used to there being no trains but as of Monday if you make a mistake you may not get a second chance,” said Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

Tragically the risk is very real – two pedestrians were killed when they were struck by trains at level crossings in Waitakere in late 2008.

“It’s timely to remind people to pay heed to the warning bells and signs – if the alarms are still going it means another train is coming, so don’t cross until they stop and you’re sure it is safe to do so,” says ONTRACK Northern Regional Manager Stephen Collett.

“Trains take a long time to stop and cannot swerve to avoid people or vehicles. Road users should be prepared to stop every time they approach a level crossing and must obey the warning signs.”

In New Lynn the construction work to underground the railway line will eventually eliminate two busy level crossings and create at least two more crossings over the corridor which will ensure motorists and pedestrians can easily and safely move across the rail corridor.

ENDS

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