KiwiRail Level Crossing Risk Assessment Guide

ViaStrada worked with KiwiRail and NZTA, alongside MWH (now Stantec), to develop the Level Crossing Risk Assessment Guide (LCRAG), creating a nationally consistent framework for assessing, managing and improving safety at rail level crossings throughout New Zealand.

The guide introduced the Level Crossing Safety Impact Assessment (LCSIA) methodology and the Level Crossing Safety Score (LCSS), providing a structured and evidence-based approach to evaluating crossing risk. The framework combined established risk assessment tools, crash history, site-specific factors and professional judgement to support consistent decision-making across both existing and proposed level crossings.

ViaStrada played a key role in the development of both Version 1 and Version 2 of the guide, helping to establish a practical methodology that enabled KiwiRail, road controlling authorities and transport agencies to assess risk, prioritise investment, and identify appropriate safety improvements.

The guide became an important component of KiwiRail's level crossing safety programme, supporting a more consistent and transparent approach to risk management across the national rail network.

As part of the wider programme of work, ViaStrada also contributed to the development of national guidance for pedestrian and cycle rail crossings. Read more about that project here: https://viastrada.nz/project/2017/guidelines-pedestriancycle-rail-cross…