Light At End Of Tunnel For Rail Intersection Improvements
New Zealand First MP Ron is on track to improve safety at a North Canterbury level crossing after a truck driver
collided with a freight train in November.
Mr Mark met with Transit NZ officials in Christchurch this week in a bid to resolve a disagreement between authorities
over who is responsible for improvements to the Fernside Rd level crossing.
A lack of safety barrier and lights at the intersection has been blamed for several accidents in recent years – the
latest of which resulted in a truck driver being hospitalised for over four weeks and left him with permanent head
injuries.
“It is obvious that an upgrade to this crossing is urgently needed before another devastating accident. I have been
approached by the family of the family of the truck driver and a number of residents worried that the next collision at
Fernside Rd will involve deaths which could have been prevented,” said Mr Mark.
“Transit NZ were positive about fast-tracking improvements to the level crossing and agreed to be involved in a round
table discussion with the two other invoved parties – Waimakariri District Countil and Tranzrail,” he said.
Mr Mark is expected to meet with representatives of Tranzrail, the Mayor of Rangiora and the Land Transport Safety
Authority shortly.