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

Appendix C - Working on or near level crossings

C1    Introduction

When work takes place on or near a level crossing, the resultant activity (including the equipment and personnel used) can obscure signs, markings or signals or force drivers into positions on the road where they cannot clearly see these devices.

Rail operator oversight of road works near level crossings concentrates on ensuring there is no effect on the rail infrastructure but they also need to consider rail operational issues and options. These could include reducing train speeds (frequently done through rail work sites) or introducing manual control of automatic signal systems.

People involved in approving traffic management plans for road works are frequently familiar with the locality of the work. However, if the plans make no mention of nearby rail facilities, particularly level crossings and associated traffic control devices existing within the proposed work site, the likely outcome is inadequate consideration of the possible implications arising from rail and road vehicle interaction or the effect the work might have on traffic control devices currently in place.

C2    Notification and approval processes

The chain of responsibility can be extensive for any work on the road – from road controlling authorities as principal to the person working on the road. When a similar chain exists on the rail side (eg from the rail access provider as principal to the rail worker), opportunity for a breakdown in critical communication between the two responsible authorities clearly escalates.

The Code of practice for temporary traffic management (CoPTTM) highlights the need for the consideration of the safety issues related to works near level crossings and requires contractors to notify the rail access provider of their proposed works.

Rail access providers should also have clear procedures when road controlling authorities or their delegates seek approvals in relation to work planned near the railway corridor, particularly on roads approaching level crossings.

In addition, rail access providers should provide contractors with defined procedures when work is conducted within the rail corridor, particularly work at level crossings that could affect traffic on a road. This will include requirements to advise and, where necessary, gain agreement of the road controlling authority to a traffic management plan.

C3    Traffic management plans

Whenever both rail and road corridors are within a work site, any traffic management plan must consider implications of the work and associated controls on the safe operation of each corridor.

It is essential that critical features such as railway lines and traffic control devices (such as flashing light assemblies) are included on plans. This will ensure those involved in the design and approval of the plans fully consider the implications of the work on all traffic (including road and rail vehicles) through the site. CoPTTM requires this.

If work on the road will reduce the effectiveness of traffic control devices, reduce visibility of approaching trains or otherwise impact on safety, the rail access provider would need to be satisfied there are no alternate treatments and also consider what changes to their normal operating procedures could be justified. This may include reducing train speeds, installing temporary traffic control changes, requiring some positive traffic control at the work site for the level crossing, etc.

Work being carried out by rail contractors on the rail corridor might likewise affect the road network. Steps the road controlling authority can introduce that might readily mitigate these effects and improve worker and public safety could include, for example, reduced speed limits and appropriate traffic control.

C4    Permits to enter rail corridor

Anyone who wishes to work in the railway corridor must obtain a Permit to Enter issued by the rail access provider or rail premises owner. This permit is required for all access onto the railway corridor regardless of:

• the distance from the railway line
• whether the railway line is operational or not
• work being in a rail facility (eg marshalling yards, depots, workshops, etc where railway lines and level crossings are present).

In electrified areas, the nature of the work to be undertaken may require an electrical safety Permit to Work. This permit will generally be required when working within 4 m of overhead traction wires (train power supply lines).

Both these permits are subject to a fee and, depending on the nature of the work, may require the rail access provider or rail premises owner to provide a protection employee at the working party’s cost.

C5    Rail operator requirements

Rail operators may have additional requirements for work within rail yards or sidings. Contact with the operator is required to determine the additional requirements for working in these areas.

C6    Obtaining permits

All agencies must be contacted directly to determine their individual requirements for access to operational areas.

Permits from ONTRACK are obtained through local area offices. Their locations and contact details are detailed on the ONTRACK website: www.ontrack.govt.nz.

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