Work has begun upgrading another three high-risk level crossings under the Rudd Government’s Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program. Minister for
Work has begun upgrading another three high-risk level crossings under the Rudd Government’s Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese says stop signs will be upgraded to lights and boom gates in the NSW regions of Jerrawa, Duri and Nemingha.
The upgrades follow the installation of safety measures at eight other crossings throughout NSW.
“All up, we’ve allocated $42.7 million from out Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program to upgrade safety around 55 high risk level crossings in NSW,” Albanese says.
He says the $150 million program will fund the installation of boom gates and other measures at 292 level crossings nationwide.
Albanese says there are about 100 accidents at rail crossings each year.
“Between July 2007 and June 2008 there were seven level crossing collisions in NSW, with one resulting in a fatality,” he says.
As well as boosting safety, Albanese says the projects will also deliver economic benefits by supporting local jobs and businesses.
The money for the multi-million dollar program comes from the Government’s stimulus program, and the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has been tasked with delivering the upgrades.