Road users will need to plan for delays, detours and closures on State Highway 7 on the West Coast from next week as work is carried out to upgrade rail crossings.

Contractors working on behalf of KiwiRail will be doing the work at the SH7 Dudleys and Hinau rail crossings between Stillwater and Reefton, from Thursday 28 August. 

The work involves the complete reconstruction of the level crossings, digging out and replacing the sleepers and rail, as well as replacing the surface with new rubber mats to improve the safety of the level crossing. To do this work, the road needs to be closed while the crossings are dug out.  

At Hinau Level Crossing, between Maimai and Mawheraiti, the road will be closed between 28 August and 5 September with a local detour in place through neighbouring properties. The detour is suitable for all vehicles, including heavy vehicles. It will be a single lane with traffic lights and road users should expect delays.

At Dudleys Level Crossing, between Ikamatua and Stillwater, the road will be closed from 6am on Saturday 30 August to 5am Monday 1 September, with a detour available via Atarau for through traffic. Work will continue into the following week and road users can expect delays of up to 15 minutes from Monday 1 September through to Wednesday 3 September. Motorists are asked to drive to the winter conditions on Atarau Road.

We thank road users for their patience and understanding while KiwiRail completes this important work to make these level crossings safer.