The federal government has announced that railway crossings in NSW are on track to receive major upgrades due to its new regional level crossing upgrade fund (RLCUF).
The RLCUF aims to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal crashes that can have an impact on communities.
The federal government has committed $160 million over four years to state and territory governments to fund up to 50 per cent of the cost of delivering railway crossing upgrades.
“This funding will provide upgrading of treatments such as signage, boom gates, flashing lights and rumble strips, to better alert motorists and pedestrians approaching regional railway crossings,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“The RALCSP also invests in education and awareness activities on how to behave safely around railway crossings, improved data and risk assessments, along with research and trials to promote low-cost, innovative safety solutions.”
The NSW government will receive $28 million in the first round of funding, which will go towards a program of works across the state’s regional road network and be delivered in partnership with rail infrastructure managers.
The proposed list includes 23 priority projects for railway crossing improvements across nine electorates covering a large area of regional NSW.
These upgrades include the installation of retro-reflective boom gates, audible warning devices, updated signage and LED flashing lights increasing the visibility of crossings on both sides of the roadway in response to approaching trains.
“The NSW government is committed to partnering with the federal government to reduce the risk of serious and fatal crashes at level crossings,” NSW regional transport and roads minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“We’re matching the federal funding injection and the additional investments we’re making are absolutely crucial because they will improve safety in regional communities and help save lives.
“I’d like to thank Minister King and the federal government for their injection of these much-needed funds to level crossing safety in regional NSW.”
A list of the full range of level crossings and projects being worked on can be found here.