State rail operator KiwiRail is undertaking a rebuild of the Mawhera Quay level crossing adjoining the Greymouth Railway Station today and tomorrow.
It also conducted maintenance on the Aickens rail crossing with a State Highway 73 closure overnight on Saturday and Sunday.
However, KiwiRail announced on Friday the Midland Line and all West Coast rail freight services will be fully shut down until Friday, May 22, for "standard annual track maintenance".
The Greymouth Star understands that primarily involves the bottleneck Otira Tunnel.
A KiwiRail spokeswoman could not specify, describing it only as "standard annual track maintenance".
KiwiRail recently announced it would continue a full TranzAlpine offering from Christchurch to Greymouth seven days a week, instead of the usual limited winter timetable introduced with the Covid shutdowns.
In a statement, KiwiRail said the latest Midland Line shutdown was unavoidable to allow for "essential, planned track maintenance", including surface repairs on the Greymouth crossing.
The Grey District Council has advised the quay will be closed from 5am to 5pm today and tomorrow. — Greymouth Star
