The Claremont woman was walking her dog about 9.30am yesterday when she was hit by a south-bound train towing 15 wagons at a level crossing on Box Hill Road.

Police said the flashing lights and audible alert were operating at the time.

Senior Constable John Toohey said the cause of the incident was yet to be determined, and the train driver was shaken.

``Obviously it's a traumatic experience,'' Senior Constable Toohey said.

He  said police would be speaking to witnesses.

The woman was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital, and the road was closed for three hours while crash investigators examined the scene.

The woman died in the hospital's intensive care unit last night.

TasRail chief executive Damien White said TasRail was ``deeply saddened'' by the incident.

``This is extremely difficult for all involved but I am grateful for the professional way they [emergency services] have responded to what is a distressing event,'' he said.

The dog suffered minor injuries and was taken to a vet.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

Investigators would like to hear from anyone who might  have witnessed the incident or might have  seen the pedestrian beforehand.