Rail Freight Services Speeds at Normal Pace

KiwiRail freight services on the main trunk line to Christchurch are back operating at full speed.

The normal speed for freight services is usually between 70 and 80 kmh. The services to the Port of Lyttelton are running under a temporary 25km/h speed restriction.

Chief executive Jim Quinn said that all KiwiRail services are running normally to ensure supplies reach the city.

"It's vital for the local economy that we are running to normal capacity as quickly as possible. Businesses need to get trading again to both survive and keep their employees working."

He said the company was aware that the trains caused vibration and noise which concerned some residents along the line, both in Christchurch and in other centres. "Please call us on 0800 351 351 to report any concerns."

Mr Quinn said there was limited room for speed restrictions on the route because of demand for services and the need to keep services running to schedule. A large amount of goods needed to be moved by rail since the earthquake on February 22.

"I am sure that everyone in Christchurch understands how important it is to get the freight trains moving again right across the network to help bring in more supplies as needed," he said.

"We have shifted a huge amount of water, relief supplies, and emergency personnel to Christchurch from both the south and the north, with record amounts of freight carried on Interislander Cook Strait ferries and sharp increases in domestic rail freight."

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