14 November 2017
Earthquake commemoration a time for reflection
The 12 months since a 7.8 earthquake struck near Kaikoura devastating the Main North Line railway have been enormously
challenging but a year on it is pleasing to see progress made, delivering some respite for residents and truck drivers,
KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy says.
“It’s been a tough time for everyone involved but the spirit of the locals and dedicated work from the 1500 people
working on the rail and road rebuild effort is really starting to pay off.
“Despite some of the worst winter weather in years affecting our freight programme, more than 8500 tonnes of freight has
now been shifted on the line, which will lower supply chain costs for our customers. It has also meant 1200 fewer truck
trips on the vulnerable inland routes.
“We are also helping with the rebuild by delivering critical components for the road reconstruction directly into the
worksite. Rail has moved tonnes of precast concrete blocks for sea walls, adapting wagons to carry them.
"That's important work as it helps with the reopening of the road which is set now for December 15.
“I want to pay tribute to the strength of the people in all of the communities hit by the quake,” Mr Reidy says.
“These communities have faced significant upheaval and hardship, yet their hospitality and support has been
overwhelming.
“Without their support we would not have made the progress we have, and we are committed to continuing the work to
complete the job as soon as possible.
“Getting trains moving again was the result of the commitment from our own people and those in the NCTIR alliance - all
of the alliance workers, NZTA and other contractors.
“We are hoping to have our passenger tourism service, the Coastal Pacific, running again from mid next year, once the
rebuild work is complete."
The rail line between Blenheim and Christchurch was reopened on September 15 enabling a limited low frequency service to
resume between Picton and Christchurch. Trains are running at night to enable work to continue during the day on both
State Highway One, and to continue to bring the rail up to full operating capacity.
The MNL is a critical link in New Zealand’s transport networks and before the earthquake more than one million tonnes of
freight was being moved on it each year.
Facts at a glance
Restoring the Main North Line has involved one of the biggest rail rebuilds since World War II:
· More than 100 slips and landslides cleared.
· Repairs needed at more than 750 individual sites, include 60 major damage sites.
· 20 tunnels and 60 bridges damaged.
· Since 15 September 58 train services have run and we have moved 8853 tonnes of freight (net weight) – equivalent to
1200 truck trips.