The area where two Matamata teens were struck and killed by a train. Photo: Google Maps
KiwiRail will finally remove trees and fence off the railway lines near Matamata College, more than a decade after it was recommended by the Coroner.
The Coroner made the recommendations after 15-year-old Zakariah Paul Lang was fatally struck by a train in July 2012.
In March this year another College student, 13-year-old Sarie Morton, was struck and killed by a train on the same section of rail.
Matamata-Piako District Council CEO Manaia Te Wiata said fencing would be installed along Firth Street in front of Matamata College and between the two level crossings at Tainui Street and Burwood Road, to deter people from entering the rail corridor.
"We are also considering additional fencing and ways to link access to the eastern side of the tracks to the official pedestrian level crossing at Tainui St. Further safety improvements in the area are also being considered."
KiwiRail said more than 70 trees in the area currently obstruct visibility for train drivers of anyone approaching the rail line adjacent to Firth Street.
Eleven trees in the area are being fully removed and the others will have branches lifted and canopies trimmed, to improve view lines. Vegetation along the embankment next to Swap Park will also be removed.
Sarie Morton, 13, was struck and killed by a train. Photo: Supplied
KiwiRail Acting Chief Operations Officer Paul Ashton said slowing down trains or not running them between 3pm and 3.30pm, which had been suggested, was not viable.
"Freight trains run on a timetable and cover long distances, often travelling through multiple towns, to move our customers' freight.
"There is a 70km/h speed limit through Matamata but even if trains were to travel more slowly, their weight means that they cannot stop quickly, even if the emergency brake is applied. Slowing or suspending services in residential areas simply would not work.
"The best way for people to stay safe is to cross the tracks only at a designated crossing, and only after looking in both directions for any approaching train. To cross anywhere else is both illegal and dangerous."
KiwiRail and the council reminded local residents that no one should cross the tracks except at designated crossings.
"Our locomotive engineers (train drivers) already sound their horns as they pass through this part of Matamata, to alert people to the presence of a train.
"While removing the trees will improve visibility for locomotive engineers, a fully laden freight train takes up to 1km to come to a stop, even with its emergency brakes applied," Ashton said.
"People should only cross the tracks at designated pedestrian level crossings. In Matamata, this means using the crossing at Tainui Street."
The land on either side of the railway tracks in the area is owned by KiwiRail and maintained by the council.
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