Hokitika Gibson Quay LCSIAs

At the request of KiwiRail, West Coast Regional Council (WCRC) commissioned ViaStrada to undertake two Level Crossing Safety Impact Assessments (LCSIAs) at sites alongside Gibson Quay, Hokitika, to feed into a WCRC resource consent for raising the adjacent Hokitika River stop-bank that runs parallel to the Hokitika branch rail line. The two crossing locations are at the entrance to Wadeson Park and at the corner of Livingstone St. The adjacent stop-bank is occasionally used by motor vehicles and is often used by cyclists and pedestrians as it is a part of the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail.

The crossing sites were visited in Nov 2023, where ViaStrada staff were met by the Project Manager, project designers, and Westland District Council staff (feedback from KiwiRail was obtained separately). Site information and other field notes for the LCSIA were collected, and photos also taken. Level Crossing Safety Scores were then derived for the existing sites and proposed stop-bank design changes.

Both crossings were rated as a “Low” risk and thus currently met KiwiRail’s criterion for safe level crossings. The proposed changes to the adjacent stop-bank would continue to result in a “Low” risk rating at Wadeson Park, with recommended minor improvements to the site likely to further improve user safety at this level crossing. Due to its low use, poor alignment and controls, and suitable alternatives, it was recommended that the crossing at the corner of Livingstone St be permanently closed.