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

9  Requirements for specific road vehicles

9.2  Overweight and over-dimension road loads

A level crossing can be an obstacle for a road load due to overhead, side or ground clearances. These large and heavy loads can also be slow moving, which increases the potential for conflict with rail movements at level crossings.

For this reason, there are procedures in place to safely handle these types of loads and to minimise potential conflicts with train movements, railway overhead services and equipment. These types of loads will generally require the issue of a permit that authorises the movement and stipulates any specific requirements needed for the movement to take place.

In the movement of some loads, supervision or temporary relocation of equipment by the access provider may be required. Where this is the case, costs are recoverable from the vehicle operator.

9.2.1  Overweight loads

The movement of heavy loads over a railway line has the potential to permanently damage the railway line and its structure. The movement of these overweight loads over road overbridges and level crossings is administered by the road controlling authority. Procedures involved are laid down in the Transit New Zealand publication Overweight permit manual.

9.2.2  Over-dimension loads

The use of roads by over-sized loads is governed by the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002. Some loads require written permits prior to travel. Where such loads must cross level crossings, the operator will be required to contact the rail access provider to gain approval to use these level crossings.

The rail access provider will determine whether a permit is required for the specific level crossings involved. If the movement across the level crossings is approved, any permit issued will define the special conditions for each level crossing required due to the size or type of the load.

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