A woman was killed when she was struck by a train at the Totara Ave level crossing, the second pedestrian rail fatality in a month.
“Trains are running more frequently on the Auckland network now so motorists and pedestrians should always expect a train at any time,” says ONTRACK acting chief executive Thomas Davis.
“Drivers should be prepared to stop every time they approach any level crossing and must obey the warning signs and pedestrians are urged not to cross until the alarms stop.”
The level crossing at the roundabout has lights, bells and barrier arms, with a pedestrian crossing on its western side. A second pedestrian only level crossing, with lights and bells linking Totara Ave and Clark St, lies about 50m to the east of the roundabout next to the train and bus stations.
Work is underway in New Lynn to sink the rail tracks into a trench running through the town centre.
“Tragically we are too late in this case, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family,” Mr Davis says.
“The re-development will eliminate two busy level crossings, including the difficult Totara Ave/ Rankin Ave crossing, replacing them with over-bridges and will create at least two more crossings over the corridor. This will ensure motorists and pedestrians can easily and safely move across the rail corridor.”
The New Lynn construction will mean some minor changes to road and pedestrian crossings but legitimate crossings with warning systems in place will be maintained at all times.
“There will be also be some changes to road crossings and footpaths near construction areas, so it is important pedestrians take extra care, and follow the directional signs we will have in place.”