Extra KiwiRail freight service to Christchurch

KiwiRail is putting on an extra freight service from Auckland to Christchurch to increase supermarket stock supplies to the earthquake-shattered city.

KiwiRail spokesman Kevin Ramshaw says warehouse space in the city is very limited so extra supplies are needed. KiwiRail already operates five services from the North Island to Christchurch daily. Four come from Auckland and one from Hawkes Bay.

The rail company itself is having to juggle its logistics, with freight having to be offloaded from trains at Rangiora and taken to Christchurch by road because the Main North Line suffered four kilometres of damage in the Kaiapoi area, as well as damage to a bridge.  The line is expected to be fully open tomorrow.

All rail services in the Christchurch area should be restored by tomorrow, Ramshaw said.

The Main South Line which runs south from Christchurch is open, although with a 40kph speed limit and 25kph on bridges between Christchurch and Ashburton.

The Midland Line west of Otira is open and the line between Otira and Christchurch is expected to open this afternoon, with speed restrictions.

The Tranz Alpine passenger service between Christchurch and Greymouth will resume tomorrow. Speed limits will cause a delay of up to an hour. 

Tranz Coastal passenger services are expected to resume between Christchurch and Picton on Wednesday, with speed restrictions which will again cause a delay.

- © Fairfax NZ News