No warnings at Tauranga rail crossings tonight

From 6pm today until 7am tomorrow Tauranga rail crossings will have no active alarms to warn motorists if a train is approaching.

The NZ Transport Agency and KiwiRail warned road users that warning devices (including alarm bells, flashing lights and barrier arms) will not be operating as trains are switched to the new Matapihi Rd railway line.

The affected level crossings are situated at Matapihi Rd and State Highway 29A. There will be traffic controllers assisting rail crossing users at these sites. The public should abide by all warning signs and directions of staff, the NZ Transport Agency said in a statement today.

The crossings at Hull Rd, Wharf St and Spring St will also only have limited warnings in place. At these sites warning devices will only activate as the train nears the crossing.

Trains will be travelling at 10km an hour when approaching all of these sites.

KiwiRail is reminding rail crossing users to "expect trains at any time, from either direction" and especially while trains are switched to the new line.

The switch involves removing the existing level crossing alarms and installing them in the new location.

The railway line was moved as part of the preliminary work for the Baypark to Bayfair link upgrade project.

The purpose of the Baypark to Bayfair link upgrade project is to provide the best long-term solution to improve congestion, travel time and safety for all road users along State Highway 2 between Baypark and Bayfair.