A win for rail safety

This month, the level crossing between Porters Avenue and Wynyard Road in Mt Eden was permanently removed.

This was the last of the level crossings to be removed from the Maungawhau/Mount Eden Station construction area, and the City Rail Link project. The closure will eliminate pedestrians from the path of on-coming trains – a safety win for the project and community.

The removal of the crossing coincided with Rail Safety Week, a time to raise awareness and encourage safe behaviour around trains, railway tracks and level crossings.

The newly built Porters Avenue Bridge replaces the level crossing. A dawn karakia (blessing), led by CRL Mana Whenua Forum representatives, was held on the morning of Saturday 13 August to uplift the rahui (closure/prohibition) and create a safe passage for pedestrians. The bridge is now open with restricted access and will be officially open to all users following the installation of elevators towards the end of the year.

We spoke to Gabriella Solti, Link Alliance System Safety Lead, to find out more.