Kia ora Alexander,

Please see below answers regarding your official information request on
temperature limit for rail lines throughout NZ, received on Monday 12
February:

1. Is there a nationwide temperature limit for rail lines in NZ? Yes, 40°C
rail temperature.

2. If different from a national one (or if no national one exists) please
provide the temperature limits for rail lines across the Auckland and
Wellington Regions. See 1.

3.  If there is a nationwide limit what is that limit (this assumes there
may be a nationwide limit at a higher level than some regional limits)?
See 1.

4. When was the national limit last set? Pre 2000’s likely 1990’s.

5. When was each of the limits provided in 2. last set? See 4.

Some background information
Temporary speed restrictions are put in place once the steel rails reach
40 degrees and are lifted once the track drops below this temperature. It
means that trains have to travel slower over these areas, due to the risk
the track may have been misaligned by the high temperatures expanding the
rail length. It is critical we apply these speed restrictions, so that
passenger trains can continue running safely.

We have had high temperatures on the network and heat restrictions in
different areas for most of the last three weeks. For example, in Auckland
heat restrictions were primarily on the Southern Line between Ôtâhuhu and
Papakura. For example, the track around Ôtâhuhu reached temperatures of 48
degrees during the period of disruptions. Heat on the track is not
directly related to air temperature – the steel rails get hotter than the
air. Also, if there have been warm nights, the rail may not cool enough
from the previous day.

This release is under the OIA, and as such you have the right to seek an
investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information
about how to make a complaint is available at
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

Thanks,

Shauni James  |  Communications Adviser

MOB: +64 27 230 7426

[2]www.kiwirail.co.nz

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References

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1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
2. http://www.kiwirail.co.nz/