Wellington train services resume

The southbound train that collided with the northbound train in Plimmerton. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Commuter services on Wellington's rail network have resumed after damaged tracks were cleared and repaired over the weekend.

Heavy rain on Thursday caused several slips, contributing to a head-on crash between two commuter trains just north of Plimmerton and closing the North Island's main rail line.

KiwiRail crews worked around the clock to the clear the collision site as well as a washout further north at Muri and a slip on the Johnsonville line.

A retaining wall had to be built at the Plimmerton site to restore the track.

Capital Connection and Overlander services were this morning running as normal.

KiwiRail North Island passenger services manager David Knight said he appreciated people's patience while the network was repaired.

Meanwhile, the 6.50am train service from Masterton to Wellington was replaced by buses due to a mechanical failure.

- NZPA