Heat restrictions lifted on Wairarapa Line

The lifting of further restrictions on the Wairarapa line means Wairarapa commuters will no longer experience delays due to heat restrictions.

Tranz Rail engineers have completed remedial work on sections of track under Heat 40 restrictions and will lift 85% of restrictions on the Wairarapa line this weekend.

“Tranz Metro is delighted to inform Wairarapa passengers that they will no longer be delayed by heat restrictions. We would also like to thank them for their continued patience throughout this trying period, said Ross Hayward, National Passenger Manager.

“We are very pleased with the speed at which our engineers have been able to complete inspections and lift restrictions on this line,” said Mr Hayward.

Two weeks ago the LTSA lifted the requirement for trains to stop when heat sensors are activated on the Wairarapa line. They have now approved the process under which heat restrictions can be lifted on this line.

Previously, Wairarapa trains had to stop until a track inspection was carried out and the line cleared. As a result, Tranz Metro had to replace mid afternoon services with buses for part of the journey to ensure rolling stock could return to Wellington in time for evening peak services.

Wairarapa services now operate under the same exemption as trains within the electrified suburban network, which permits trains to travel at 40kph when heat restrictions are in place. With only 15% of this line now under H40 restriction services will not be disrupted.

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