No tolerance with rail crossing heights

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 31, 19 January 1988, Page 14

No tolerance with rail crossing heights

Power is now flowing on the third section of the North Island Main Trunk railway electrification project since the traction overhead between Taihape and Taumarunui w a s e n e r gised on 11 January. The overhead system between Palmerston North and T aumarunui must, at all times, be treated as being alive with 25,000volts A.C. Consequently, in the interests of safety, all road users should be aware of the maximum load heights now permitted at level crossings, say Railways. At all public crossings, the absolute maximum safe height for road vehicles and their loads passing under the wires is 5.24m. At private level crossings loads must not exceed 4.25m. It is extremely dangerous to exceed these restrictions - there is no tolerance.

All level crossings will be posted with signs showing the maximum safe height of vehicles including radio aerials - and loads that can pass under the wires. It is emphasised that these limits are in use on the main trunk line from Palmerston North to Taumarunui and eventually on to Te Rapa, north of Hamilton. Safe height limits are lower on public level crossings in the Wellington electrified area: 4.50m on all except McKay's Crossing which is 4.6m. For those road transport operators conveying oversized loads, special arrangements can usually be made on application to the nearest Railways regional administration officer. To ensure that all members of the public know of the inherent dangers associated with the 25,000 volt electrification system, Railways is currently conducting a safety awareness

throughout the Taihape to Taumarunui district. Several thousand booklets explaining the system are being delivered to households in the area, and residents, if they have any queries, are invited to contact Railways' regional administration officer for more information. The publicity campaign also involves television, press, radio and magazine coverage. In addition, all schools in the district have been provided with a comprehensive safety awareness kit, and, a short film (also on video) with Olly Ohlson, formerly of television's 'After School' programme, passing the safety message to children is available to all interested organisations. As the electrification project progresses north and the last 148km section of the line is energised, Railways will repeat its safety programme throughout the affected communities. This last section, between Taumarunui and Te Rapa is scheduled to be livened in April this year, with the total 4 11km scheme being commissioned for full commercial use in June. Senior Public Relations Officer Bill Hopper said the electrification of the North Island main trunk will enable Railways to operate longer, heavier freight trains, faster between Palmerston North and Hamilton, ensuring the most economic use of energy and assisting the Corporation achieve commercial viability in the future.