ONTRACK has confirmed its goal of 2010 for clearing the backlog of a decade of deferred maintenance it inherited when it took responsibility for the railway network in 2004, Chairman Cam Moore said today.
He was speaking at a function to mark the completion of rail deviation west of Wanganui which eliminates a tunnel incapable of taking 9ft 6in containers.
“We said at the time we took responsibility for the rail network that addressing the decade of underinvestment during private sector ownership would present a challenge,” said Cam Moore.
“Our focus since we took responsibility for the network has been on ensuring the network is safe for freight and passenger services. I am sure that’s what rail customers and rail operators would expect of us.
“With the planned increase in funding for basic maintenance work, we think we can catch up on the backlog within two more years. At that time, we will be able to give the network a ‘warrant of fitness’.
“The challenge beyond that is to upgrade it to meet the needs of tomorrow’s customers – not yesterday’s. An important part of this process is addressing the bow wave of infrastructure replacement work that is looming in coming years.”
Cam Moore says a trial of heavier trucks on roads throws down a challenge to rail to improve the network so that trains pulling wagons with 20 tonne axle loads can in future travel reliably on key routes.
“Most of the mainline formation on the network was constructed between 50 and 75 years ago and was engineered for axle loads at the time.
“As axle loads have increased significantly along with tonnage and speeds, much of the formation is now wearing and showing distinct signs of stress.”
Cam Moore says that currently, 200 kilometres (five percent of the network) of rail is approaching the end of its predicted life.