Next week several level crossings across Tauranga will have no active alarms to warn road users a train is approaching, says the New Zealand Transport Agency and KiwiRail.

Alarm bells, flashing lights and barrier arms will not be operating at the Matapihi Road and State Highway 29A level crossings, while limited warnings will be in place at Hull Road, Wharf Street and Spring Street, from 6pm on Monday, November 14, to 7am on Tuesday November 15.

An NZTA spokesperson says this is due to trains being switched to the new Matapihi Road railway line which will affect the whole rail network.

'Trains will be travelling at 10 kilometres an hour when approaching all of these sites.”

At the Matapihi Road and SH29A level crossings there will be traffic controllers helping rail crossing users at those sites and the public is being asked to follow all warning signs and directions of staff.

While at the crossings at Hull Road, Wharf and Spring streets, warning devices will only activate as the train nears the crossing.

KiwiRail is also reminding rail crossing users to 'expect trains at any time, from either direction” and especially while trains are switched to the new line.

The railway line was moved as part of the preliminary work for the Baypark to Bayfair link upgrade project, and the switch involves removing the existing level crossing alarms and installing them in the new location.

The purpose of the Baypark to Bayfair link upgrade project is to provide the best long-term solution to improve congestion, travel time and safety for all road users along State Highway 2 between Baypark and Bayfair.

For more information about the Baypark to Bayfair link upgrade project visit the New Zealand Transport Agency website at: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/b2b