Getting to work

Track teams and contractors have been making solid progress repairing slips, washouts and other damage on the Main South Line (MSL) since last week’s record-breaking floods. KiwiRail South Island Infrastructure manager Gary Ikin said it had reopened the track between Clinton (north of Invercargill) and Balclutha. In Dunedin, slips have been cleared and the tracks to Port Chalmers, Sawyers Bay, Mosgiel and Taieri have been reopened.

"Today we are resuming carrying freight for Fonterra from its Mosgiel plant to the port, which is an important milestone in our rail recovery."

Meanwhile, the Taieri River flood waters continue to recede and KiwiRail plan to inspect the 7km of track south of Dunedin that was under water.

"There are a number of significant slips above and below the rail line north of Dunedin at Shag Point. We have undertaken geotechnical investigations and are working to clear slips material and building retaining structures."