KiwiRail will reopen the railway line between Woodville and Hastings next Monday.
KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy said track teams have been working hard over recent weeks to repair the 130km of damaged rail line, including repairing flood-damaged bridges, so it could open to Hastings.
He said around 350 wagons worth of goods were moved in and out of the Hawke’s Bay region each week.
As the rail line between Napier and Hastings is still some months aay from being repaired, a temporary facility has been setup in Hastings allowing imports and exports to and from the Napier Port.
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The Strong Wind Watch issued for Hawke’s Bay and Tararua District has been upgraded to an Orange Wind Warning.
The Metservice says severe southwest gales, gusting 120km/hr, are expected in the period up until 3pm today.
Coastal areas are expected to get the strongest gusts.
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With colder nights here, Safer CHB is offering local residents the chance to get their electric blankets tested for free today.
A certified electrician will be available between 9am and 1pm at the Waipukurau Fire Station.
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Central Hawke’s Bay Police are investigating an alleged hit and run last week where a cyclist was knocked off his bike.
Senior Constable Andy Walker said the cyclist was riding westbound on Ashcott Road, heading towards SH50, just before 7pm last Thursday.
He said a vehicle came up behind the cyclist, and knocked the rider off.
Mr Walker said the vehicle lost a wing mirror from the incident, meaning the driver would have known they had hit the cyclist.
The rider was taken to the Emergency Department at Hawke’s Bay Hospital but wasn’t seriously hurt.