Design work is underway on a major level crossing safety upgrade at Mary Gilmore Way, Bribbaree, as the NSW Government moves to address ongoing crash risks on a key regional corridor.
The crossing, located south of Grenfell, is used by both local traffic and freight operators, making safety improvements critical for regional connectivity and supply chain reliability.
The proposed upgrade will convert the site from a passive crossing into an active one, introducing boom gates, flashing lights, warning bells and upgraded signage.
Why is the Bribbaree level crossing safety upgrade needed?
Level crossing incidents remain a leading cause of rail-related fatalities, particularly in regional areas where passive crossings are more common.
At Bribbaree, limited visibility and driver behaviour have contributed to safety concerns, prompting calls for intervention from local government and the community.
“Level crossing crashes can have devastating consequences for regional communities, which is why the Minns Government is getting on with the work needed to improve safety at crossings across the state,” said Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison. “The community has been clear that Mary Gilmore Way at Bribbaree needs attention.”
The level crossing safety upgrade is expected to significantly reduce risk by providing clearer, more immediate warnings to approaching drivers.
What interim safety measures are being introduced?
While the full upgrade progresses through the design phase, interim treatments are being deployed to address immediate risks.
These include rumble strips, enhanced signage and investigations into photoluminescent line markings, known as glow road technology, to improve night-time visibility.
Transport for NSW is also reviewing the placement and scale of warning signage to ensure drivers receive earlier and more effective alerts.
Importantly, the existing Augmented Stop Sign system will remain in place and may be enhanced with machine learning capabilities.
The system, introduced as a trial in 2023, uses radar to detect approaching vehicles and activates flashing LED warnings, improving driver compliance compared to static signage.
How does this affect freight and regional road safety?
For freight operators, level crossing reliability is directly linked to route safety and operational certainty.
Uncontrolled crossings can pose significant risks to heavy vehicles, particularly when braking distances and load constraints are taken into account.
Local government has highlighted the importance of immediate action alongside long-term planning.
“I am extremely pleased to see that further risk mitigation measures are being organised until a permanent solution is delivered,” said Weddin Shire Mayor Paul Best.
“This is welcomed news.”
From a rail perspective, the upgrade addresses a well-documented risk profile across the network.
“ARTC manages more than 1,500 level crossings in NSW, and we know the risks they can pose, particularly on regional roads,” said ARTC Director Infrastructure Projects Heather Parry.
“Trains cannot stop quickly, especially when carrying heavy loads.”
The level crossing safety upgrade is being jointly funded for design by Transport for NSW and the Australian Rail Track Corporation, with construction to follow once current priority projects under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund are completed.
Designs are expected to be finalised by the end of the 2025 to 2026 financial year.