2012 Kiwi Rail, North South Junction Project
Biennial Railway Project Award for 2012
THE RTSA BIENNIAL RAILWAY PROJECT AWARD FOR 2012 IS MADE TO KIWIRAIL FOR THE NORTH SOUTH JUNCTION PROJECT, WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT ON THE NORTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK LINE NEAR PAEKAKARIKI, NEW ZEALAND.
The 3.5 km long single line was constructed in 1880 and comprises steep cut faces and five tunnels on high cliffs overlooking the Tasman Sea.
The instability of the cliff face, very steep access roads and tight radius curves always have presented hazardous conditions for train operations. The project included slope stablisation some of which involved abseilers to remove loose rocks; the installation of over 1,000 rock anchors; provision of rockfall netting; the construction of numerous retaining walls and rock catch fences and strengthening of tunnels to accommodate track lowering.
This complex and challenging project was completed in a safe manner with minimum delay to operational traffic and its success is a credit to all those involved.
