KEY POINTS:
The possible presence of asbestos has forced the closure of Epuni railway station, in the Hutt Valley north of Wellington.
Tranz Metro announced this morning that the station would be closed from 10am today, on a temporary basis.
It said a preliminary report received late yesterday, carried out as part of a regular safety check, indicated the possible presence of asbestos traces in a passenger area.
As a precautionary measure the station would be closed while more thorough testing was carried out.
Passengers would need to use alternative nearby stations during the closure, which would stay in force until test results were complete and any required remedial action was carried out.
"People may accuse us of overreacting, but we would rather play it safe," rail passenger group general manager Ross Hayward said.
"At this stage it is just a precaution but I am sure passengers understand why we are taking these measures.
"Disruptions will be kept to a minimum and we will have more news when we have the results of the comprehensive testing."
- NZPA
