Freight demand doubles

Ports of Auckland (POAL), Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) and Kiwirail are working together in order to make up for the freight demand which has doubled following the earthquake on Monday. Each of the ports have opened up capacity and KiwiRail is increasing rail services from each of the port's inland hubs. “This is one of a number of initiatives we are deploying and an important step in getting New Zealand moving again,” KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy says. “We’ve been working very closely with our partners to offer an integrated approach to getting freight flowing in the South Island. This will get non time-sensitive freight volumes moving from Auckland down to Lyttelton, which will assist to relieve some pressure on roads.” In terms of road closures, Transport Agency Highways Manager Neil Walker says work will continue to focus on restoring access to communities which have been cut off and offering reliable alternative routes. Crews will also continue working urgently on the Kaikoura Emergency Access Road (inland route 70) between Culverden and Kaikoura. The most up to date information on road closures and conditions in the region is available here.