Aug 17, 2009

Economic Stimulus: installation of boom gates at rail crossings starts in NSW

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,

Regional Development and Local Government

Leader of the House

Member for Grayndler

August 17 2009

The installation of boom gates and other safety measures at priority level rail crossings in NSW is moving ahead with funding coming from the Rudd Labor Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan.

Never before has the Federal Government had a program dedicated to improving safety and preventing accidents at level crossings.

Work has now started at the following locations in the Southern Tablelands and Southern Highlands:

Iona Park Road – Calwalla – Upgrade from stop sign to flashing lights plus new road works;
Carrick Road – Carrick – Upgrade from stop signs to lights and boom gate plus new road works;
Old South Road – Cullerin – Stop signs upgraded to flashing lights and boom gates; and
Coles Lane – Yarra – Stop signs upgraded to flashing lights and boom gates.

The projects are being delivered by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

But this is only the beginning. All up, we have allocated $42.7 million from our Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program to upgrade safety around 55 high-risk level crossings in NSW.

Tragically, about 100 accidents occur at rail crossings every year. Between July 2007 and June 2008, there were seven level crossing collisions in NSW, with one resulting in a fatality.

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

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.