Rail tunnel important for South Island coal exports to reopen

Rail tunnel important for South Island coal exports to reopen
The Stockton coal mine. (Image: Bathurst Resources)
Oliver Lewis
A damaged rail tunnel that disrupted coal exports in the South Island when it was closed last year will reopen next week, KiwiRail says.According to the state-owned rail operator, the 370-metre tunnel, which was built near Reefton in the 1890s, was closed last June after a digger operator carrying out track renewals noticed crumbling in the tunnel lining.Further inspections revealed three sections had structural issues.On Tuesday, the South Island regional infrastructure manager at KiwiRail, Gary Ikin, said the tunnel was scheduled to reopen on...

More Infrastructure

EPA applies to liquidate company on fast-track list
Policy

EPA applies to liquidate company on fast-track list

Energy Farms did not pay costs relating to the application process.

Gregor Thompson 06 Jun 2025
KiwiRail CEO on getting it match fit, chasing freight volumes
Infrastructure

KiwiRail CEO on getting it match fit, chasing freight volumes

It comes as Rail Minister Winston Peters warns waste won't be tolerated. 

Oliver Lewis 03 Jun 2025
Hopes MMH delisting will help rail line get built
Infrastructure

Hopes MMH delisting will help rail line get built

Crawford says a rail link to Northport is crucial for the port's growth.

Dileepa Fonseka 30 May 2025