I have an oversized load and want to cross the railway tracks, what do I need to do?
How much does an oversized load permit cost?
How long does the application process take?
How long does permission last?
Why can’t I cross within 24 hours of applying for permission?
What does ONTRACK do to help oversized loads cross the tracks?
What does an oversized load crossing permit specify?
Why is ONTRACK’s over-dimension standard different from Land Transport New Zealand’s?
What is the maximum sized load allowed to cross tracks?
Need more help?
I have an oversized load and want to cross the railway tracks, what do I need to do?
You need to apply for a permit to cross the track with an oversized load. Each application is assessed against our safety criteria and options are considered. Application form.
To travel on the road network with an oversized load you need to get permission from the Over-dimension Permit Issuing Agency (OPIA), Freephone 0800 OVERSIZE. For more information visit the Land Transport New Zealand website.
How much does an oversized load permit cost? The permit fee varies depending on the amount of work required to enable the load to cross. We can give you an indicative cost when you apply but won’t know the final price until after we have completed the job.
How long does the application process take?
The length of time it takes to get permission varies depending on where you want to cross the tracks.
- Electrified area – at least five working days
- Non-electrified area at level crossing - at least two working days
How long does permission last? Usually permission is for a single journey. But if you have an oversized load that needs to cross the tracks regularly, we may grant a six month permit.
Why can’t I cross within 24 hours of applying for permission?
Crossing the rail network with an oversized load can require a lot of preparation work and our staff need to be booked in advance.
What does ONTRACK do to help oversized loads cross the tracks?Long loads For vehicles over 20 metres long our train control centre checks that trains are not approaching when you want to cross. Barrier arms may need to be altered.
Wide loads For vehicles over 6 metres wide we can temporarily remove warning signs at level crossings.
High loads We may suggest an alternative safe route, over a bridge or private rail crossing. Or we may set up an alternative warning system and temporarily move signs and other obstacles.
What does an oversized load crossing permit specify? The permit specifies:
- crossing procedures
- crossing point
- crossing time
- safety measures
Once the crossing is complete the permit holder must inform Train Control that the load is clear of the crossing. Until Train Control gets a clearance the load is deemed to still be on the crossing.
Why is ONTRACK’s over-dimension standard different from Land Transport New Zealand’s? We use ‘over 20 metres’ as ‘over-dimension’ because of the time it takes a vehicle of that length to cross the tracks can exceed our minimum train warning or viewing times.
What is the maximum sized load allowed to cross tracks?
Check our tolerance chart to find out the maximum height, width and weight allowed. 
Download the Tolerance chart (PDF)
Need more help?
Contact our over-dimensional load team:
ONTRACK Operations Support Desk,
National Train Control Centre
Phone (04) 474 2323
Fax (04) 474 2324
Email: crossingpermits@ontrack.govt.nz