Council welcomes further analysis on planned crossing closures

Masterton District Council has welcomed news that KiwiRail will be undertaking a more detailed assessment into the rail crossings they have proposed improvements to or closures of along the Wairarapa Line.

In a statement released to council today, KiwiRail confirmed that following feedback from the community and further consultation with Waka Kotahi, they would be commissioning an additional study that looks at all level crossings together across the Wairarapa Line rather than individually. They stated this would include a more detailed assessment of the traffic impacts of any level crossing closures.

Masterton District Council Deputy Mayor, Bex Johnson said that she and other members of the steering group established to consider KiwiRail’s proposal were pleased to see KiwiRail reviewing their plans for rail crossing closures locally.

“We can't stress how important it is that they take into account public views and feedback,” Councillor Johnson said.

“The proposed closure of the Judds Road rail crossing will come at a great cost to our community. The crossing needs to stay open.

“The Judds Road steering group met again this morning and received a detailed presentation from Jonathan Rees of Wellington Free Ambulance, which clearly showed how the closure of the crossing would result in potential considerable delays for emergency services for Solway and Upper Plain residents particularly.

“We also need to consider the impacts on our roading network where closing a crossing would mean more traffic moving through already busy intersections.

“We look forward to exploring alternative options to closure that will meet the project’s intent of improving the safety of rail crossings for everyone,” Councillor Johnson said.

ENDS