KiwiRail is removing trees and clearing vegetation near SH27 in Matamata to improve safety along the rail corridor following the death of a local student. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

KiwiRail is removing trees and clearing vegetation near SH27 in Matamata to improve safety along the rail corridor following the death of a local student.
Image: KiwiRail

The initiative, launched in partnership with the Matamata-Piako District Council, targets over 70 trees that have obstructed train drivers’ visibility near Firth Street. Eleven trees will be completely removed, while others will be trimmed.

Don’t miss…PESA Electric Train Arrives in Romania Ahead of Schedule

Crews will also clear vegetation around Swap Park. This response comes after high school student Sarie Morton died in March after being struck by a train outside her school.

KiwiRail Safety Actions and Response to Public Concerns

Following the incident, some residents requested that KiwiRail slow or suspend train services between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. to protect students. But the company dismissed this idea as impractical.

“Freight trains operate on strict schedules and across long routes,” said Paul Ashton, Acting Chief Operations Officer. “Even at lower speeds, trains need up to 1 km to stop. Delaying them isn’t viable.”

He stressed that safety depends on responsible pedestrian behavior. People must cross only at official crossings and always check both directions before proceeding.

KiwiRail Visibility Upgrades and Community Education

To further enhance safety, KiwiRail will add fencing along the western side of the rail line between Tainui Street and Burwood Road. This will discourage unauthorized access to the rail corridor.

Matamata-Piako District Council CEO Manaia Te Wiata confirmed that additional fencing and improved access to the eastern side of the tracks are under review.

Train drivers continue to sound their horns through Matamata to alert people nearby. While improved visibility will help, Ashton warned that emergency brakes cannot stop a fully loaded train instantly.

Local residents are urged to use the pedestrian crossing at Tainui Street. Crossing elsewhere remains illegal and dangerous.

By combining visibility improvements, physical barriers, and public reminders, KiwiRail aims to reduce future risks and raise awareness about rail safety.

Source: www.railexpress.com.au

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…AI Technology Enhances Subway Safety Amid Security Concerns

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit