POPULAR WORDS

December 11, 2009

New boom gates have been installed at two high risk level crossings in Queensland to cut the number of incidents involving motorists and trains.

The gates were installed on Warner Road at Wrights Creek and Hesp-Bennett Road at Aloomba.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese says the project is part of a $42.7 million allocation to Queensland to upgrade 66 level crossings by June next year.

The funds come from the Government’s economic stimulus package released earlier this year to reduce the impact of the global financial downturn.

“Within this program eight level crossings have already been upgraded on time and within budget, with QR Network Pty Ltd having managed their delivery,” Albanese says.

“Nationally, our $150 million Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program will fund the installation of boom gates and other safety measures at 292 level crossings.”

Albanese says there are about 100 accidents at rail crossings every year and the Government is dedicated to improving safety and preventing accidents.

“This investment will not only improve road safety but also support local jobs and local businesses during the current global recession,” he says.

Meanwhile, work is continuing on upgrading the Sydney to Brisbane rail corridor.

An extended passing loop at Kilbride between Maitland and Dungog has opened today as part of the $11.2 million rail project.

New turnouts were also constructed, alongside new rail, sleepers and signalling equipment.

Albanese says the Australian Rail Track Corporation received funds to build a new passing loop at Mindaribba and upgrade five existing loops at Kilbride, Kerewong, Loadstone, Kilawarra and Johns River.

“In less than 12 months the ARTC has completed all six projects, putting in place infrastructure able to cater for much longer trains of up to 1500 metres,” Albanese says.

ARTC CEO David Marchant said the new and upgraded passing loops will improve the capacity and speed of the interstate rail network.

He says transit times from Melbourne to Sydney will but cut by almost three hours, while the Sydney to Brisbane line will be almost four hours faster.