Nov 11, 2009

Economic Stimulus: installation of more boom gates in NSW

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,

Regional Development and Local Government

Leader of the House

Member for Grayndler

November 11 2009

Work has started on installing boom gates and other safety measures at a further three priority level rail crossings in NSW, with funding coming from the Rudd Labor Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan.

The locations are:

Broadway Road, JERRAWA – Stop signs upgraded to lights and boom gates;
Timbumburi Street, DURI – Stop signs upgraded to lights and boom gates;
Railway Street, NEMINGHA – Stop signs upgraded to boom gates and lights.

The projects will be delivered by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

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.

Already boom gates and other safety measures have been installed at some eight level crossings across the State.

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.

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