Auckland Transport (AT) and KiwiRail have begun to install automatic safety swing gates to keep pedestrians safe at rail crossings across the city.
The pedestrian crossing at Metcalf Road in Ranui was the first to have safety swing gates installed last year.
Work will be carried out at the crossings at Asquith Avenue and Rossgrove Terrace (Baldwin Avenue Station), Fruitvale Road Station and the crossings at Woodward Road and Lloyd Avenue (Mount Albert Station). These are expected to be operational by May-June this year (weather dependent).
The gates are activated by a sensor on the tracks and have a safety zone with an emergency exit gate. When a train approaches these pedestrian level crossings, the bells sound, red lights flash on and off and the crossing gates close automatically.
Keeping pedestrians safe
David Nelson, AT's Group Manager, Major Projects says keeping pedestrians, especially our children safe is imperative. "There have been some tragedies at certain pedestrian level crossings and these gates will go a long way to ensure greater safety for all."
Graeme Easte of the Albert-Eden Local Board, a long-time rail crossing safety advocate, welcomes the installation of the gates. "We are pleased to see Auckland Transport and KiwiRail partnering on this programme, which should greatly reduce this risk in keeping our communities safe."
TrackSAFE Manager Megan Drayton says she commends Auckland Transport and KiwiRail on their programme to upgrade pedestrian level crossings in Auckland. "Every incident on the rail network results in trauma not just for the victim, but also that person's friends, whanau and the wider community.
"We encourage people to expect trains from both directions and check to see the tracks are completely clear when crossing. People should also stay alert, and avoid using headphones or mobile phones anywhere near roads or the railway."
For more information on the electronic ticketing gates project, visit at.govt.nz
