Work begins on upgrading dangerous level crossings in NSW, but minister
Work has begun on installing boom gates and other safety measures at dangerous level crossings in New South Wales as part of the Rudd Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan.
Swing gates and lights and bells will be installed at the crossing on Bowral Street at Bowral.
The crossing on Yarrawa Road at Moss Vale will receive the same upgrades, and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese says “this is only the beginning”.
“All up, we’ve allocated $42.7 million from our Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program to upgrade safety around 55 high risk level crossings in NSW,” Albanese says.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation is responsible for the upgrades, with Albanese saying the investment will have a twofold impact.
“This investment will not only improve road safety but also support local jobs and local businesses during the current global recession,” he 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.”
He says there are about 100 accidents at rail crossing every year, with NSW suffering a high rate of incidents between July 2007 and July 2008.
The Government will also allocate funds to levels crossings in areas in NSW such as Craven, Dubbo, Narrabri, Temora and Nana Glen to upgrade them from ‘passive’ to ‘active’ crossings.
Lists outlining grants for level crossing upgrades in each jurisdiction can be found here.