Railway work set to disrupt travel

PATIENCE: Passengers on the Wairarapa Line are being warned to expect delays over the coming months.PHOTO/FILE

Passengers travelling on the Wairarapa Line are being warned to expect delays as the next stage of KiwiRail's programme to upgrade and repair the line gets under way.

There are now 10 speed restrictions on the line as renewal work continues to repair and replace sleepers, rail and fastenings.

Warmer spring temperatures have already seen heat restrictions twice placed on the line.

Kiwirail metro general manager David Shepherd said speed restrictions had increased on the line north of Upper Hutt.

"Most of the additional work planned is located between Upper Hutt and Carterton targeting the speed restrictions that are currently in place for that part of the line.

"Increased work activity will mean that there will be some disruption to services."

Warmer weather also meant an increase in heat restrictions, Mr Shepherd said.

"When steel rail is heated it expands, and, in some cases, can cause the track to distort out of alignment, so speed restrictions are put in place to ensure safe running.

"Temperature sensors will detect when the rail goes above 40 degrees celsius and there will be 40km speed restrictions for trains in these areas.

"Just like a car on a warm day, the metal captures and retains heat, and can reach temperatures far in excess of the surrounding air temperature.

"Therefore rail operators around the world will put heat restrictions in place to prevent damage, or even buckling to the track."

There are 14 locations between Wellington and Masterton where heat restrictions could be put in place.

Speed restrictions were needed to keep staff and passengers safe, Mr Shepherd said.

Services on the Wairarapa Line would continue to operate the current timetable but customers should plan for delays.

The work is part of the Wellington Metro Upgrade Project, in which additional funding of $2.3 million has been designated for more track work on the Wairarapa and Hutt Valley lines.

The work includes level crossing upgrades, ballast upgrades and some track component renewal.

This is on top of the $3 million for normal renewal.