Part 9: Level crossings

Last updated: December 2008. This document ceases to be a controlled document when printed. Please refer to the current version at www.landtransport.govt.nz

12  Requirements for tramway level crossings

12.1  Introduction

Under the Railways Act 2005, tramways are included within the definition of ‘railway’. However, there are some significant differences in the operation of, and the vehicles in use on, tramways compared with ‘heavy’ railways.

Traditionally, tramways operate on roads and mix with other users, although reserved, off-road sections are a feature of many tramways. Some tramways in New Zealand are in a museum setting and do not, at this stage, operate on public roads, although there may be some simulated street operation within the site. However, there are tramways crossing public roads, while others use roads, wholly or partly, or plan to.

A second significant difference is the nature of the vehicles used. With heavy rail, long trains carrying heavy loads may be expected, while a typical older-style tram is a single vehicle, often less than 12 m in length, which might, in some systems, be able to pull one ‘trailer’ or perhaps two. Overseas, modern trams are often modular and typically range 20–35 m in length and their speed can vary from 50 km/h or less in street running situations to up to 100 km/h on reserved track. The relative lightness of the vehicles and the need for them to mix with other road users means they have braking systems that allow much shorter stopping distances than a typical railway train.

This all results in quite a different risk profile for trams compared with trains. This needs to be reflected in the controls and guidelines applied for tramway level crossings.

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