Log trains are running again on the Wairoa-Napier line in New Zealand. Services were suspended earlier this year as a result of COVID-19’s impact on the forestry industry. Source: Timberbiz
“We’re pleased to get the service up and running again,” KiwiRail Chief Operating Officer Todd Moyle said.
“However, with the track now back in regular use, people travelling in the area will need to take special care around level crossings. Those crossing the tracks should expect trains at any time and from either direction.
“Initially there will be two return trains each weekend. Each train is expected to consist of 24 wagons, the equivalent of 24 truckloads of logs.
“Over time, as log volumes increase, we expect to run trains daily.
“There are significant numbers of forests in the Wairoa catchment that are reaching maturity.
“Harvest volumes in the Hawke’s Bay region are predicted to reach 3.3 million tonnes per annum in the next few years and remain at high levels until the mid-2030s, so we know there is a demand for rail.
“Rail infrastructure investment has multiple, long-term benefits, some of which are not immediately obvious.
“For example, moving more logs by rail instead of trucks reduces road maintenance costs and congestion and improves road safety – particularly on regional roads like those between Napier and Wairoa which were not designed for heavy trucks.
“Given trains have 70% fewer emissions than trucks per tonne of freight, it also helps reduce transport emissions.”
The line was rebuilt with NZ$6.2 million provided to the project through the Provincial Growth Fund.
