Train services in the Hutt Valley look set to be disrupted for some time after a vehicle struck a rail overbridge at Silverstream about 1.30pm this afternoon.
KiwiRail said the accident caused significant damage to the bridge span.
Company engineers have inspected the bridge and said repairs needed to be undertaken before full services could resume.
As a result, Tranz Metro services between Taita and Upper Hutt stations were being replaced by buses.
KiwiRail has disestablished 65 jobs in what it says is a bid to help streamline the organisation, though not all the people affected will have to leave the company.
Hutt Valley travellers will face delays for the rest of the day as KiwiRail works to repair damage which has ended train travel in the area and forced commuters to use buses. Audio
Palmerston North MP Iain Lees-Galloway says a rise in the fare on KiwiRail's Capital Connection will make the commuter train service too expensive for some.
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