Barrier arms to be activated at Napier Port gate this weekend
The safety of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists at Napier Port’s western entrance will be given a boost from this weekend, following the installation of new level crossing safety features.
Napier Port, KiwiRail and New Zealand Transport Agency have been working to improve safety at the heavily congested gateway.
This includes installing new barrier arms, lights and bells at the entrance’s railway level crossings for motorists entering and exiting the Port, as well as at the busy pedestrian crossings.
KiwiRail General Manager Operations – Lower North Island, Anthony Mills, says the new additions are a key step in improving the safety of road users and pedestrians.
“These barriers are an important safety feature, but pedestrians and motorists still need to pay attention and look both ways for trains at railway level crossings,” he says.
“It is very important to always obey warning signs and signals at level crossings, and always expect trains at any time, from either direction.”
The number of trucks coming into Napier Port is increasing significantly, and so are the number of trains, pedestrians and cyclists crossing its gate.
Two trucks have collided with trains over the last year and there have been a number of near misses.
Napier Port CEO Todd Dawson says he’s hopeful that the solutions worked on by the three organisations will prevent further collisions.
“It’s a complex gateway and these safety mechanisms will take some of the risk out of using the space for truck drivers, train drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.”
“However, it will take time for users to get accustomed to the new layout so we ask that users take extra care when approaching the gate.”
NZTA is also working to install traffic lights on Breakwater Road to control the flow of traffic into and out of the port’s Western Gate. Those are due to be operational around the end of March this year.
