Source: Radio New Zealand
The Ava Rail Bridge Pedestrian footbridge was removed as part of KiwiRail’s work to replace ageing infrastructure on the rail bridge. RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Metlink is expressing concern as an increasing number of people have been trespassing on Wellington’s train tracks.
Police were called to Lower Hutt around 7.10am on Monday after a person was seen on Ava Railway Bridge.
Trains on the Hutt Valley Line, from Upper Hutt to Wellington, were running half-an-hour behind schedule during the morning rush.
Metlink’s senior manager of operations Paul Tawharu said the driver had reported “unusual activity”.
“Standard protocol is to halt services for police to investigate – it is always better to be safe than sorry,” he said.
“Police arrived within 15 minutes and gave clearance shortly after.
“We understand delays are frustrating and appreciate passengers’ patience.”
Police said no one was found.
Tawharu said he had noticed an increase in trespassers after the footbridge was removed in October last year.
The Ava Rail Bridge Pedestrian footbridge was removed as part of KiwiRail’s work to replace ageing infrastructure on the rail bridge.
The footbridge, across the Hutt River, between Ava Station and Richmond Grove, will be replaced with the Ava Rail Bridge Shared Path later this year.
Tawharu wanted to remind people that the tracks are for trains.
The nearest safe crossings were on Ewen Bridge (to the north) or Waione Bridge (to the south).
Tawharu also said a separate operational issue was still under investigation near Taitā, which had added to the delay on the Hutt Valley Line.
“We understand delays are frustrating and appreciate passengers’ patience.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
