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Private level crossings
Shared responsibility
KiwiRail and the crossing owner share responsibility for managing private crossings safely.
Users of private level crossings are responsible for:
meeting maintenance , repair, and safety upgrade costs where required.
ensuring the crossing is used safely
complying with any conditions relating to the crossing.
KiwiRail may close a crossing if safety concerns arise.
New private crossings
Because level crossings create safety risks for both rail and road users, KiwiRail seeks to minimise the number of crossings on the rail network.
New subdivisions and developments must have legal road access and cannot rely solely on a private level crossing. Where new crossings are required, grade-separated solutions such as bridges or underpasses are preferred.
Contact us
For enquiries about private level crossings, email level.crossings@kiwirail.co.nz
Level crossing FAQs
Level crossings are recognised internationally as introducing risk into the rail and road/pathway networks.
KiwiRail regards safety as paramount, and endeavours to reduce the number of level crossings in New Zealand through closure and grade separation to make roads safer.
When a new crossing is requested or required, KiwiRail’s preference is for it to be grade separated (above or below the level of the rail network, such as a bridge or tunnel).