Trains at walking pace

Auckland train passengers face a slow grind over the next three months when crossing an old iron railway bridge in lower Parnell, which is in need of structural repairs.

Government railway agency Ontrack has imposed a 10km/h limit on the bridge over Ronayne St, between the waterfront and the Parnell tunnel.

Ontrack spokeswoman Jenni Austin said routine inspections had revealed a need to carry out repairs to the bridge, which would involve the replacement of some floor beams at one end.

She said the agency hoped to have the work finished by Christmas.

Veolia Transport which runs Auckland's passenger trains, said the general area was normally subjected to a modest speed limit of 25km/h so the temporary extra restriction should have little added impact on timetables.