Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is looking to reduce the risk of level crossing collisions between trains and vehicles in the bush by putting new technology to a trial test.
Announced by the Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Victor Dominello, the trial is intended to improve awareness and safety by installing innovative new signs with LED flashing lights at level crossings in Narromine, in the Orana region and Bribbaree, in the South West Slopes region.
“There are more than 2,700 road level crossings on the NSW rail network and we want to improve safety in country areas where there is less visibility,” Mr Dominello said.
“Level crossing crashes devastate families and communities which is why we want to use innovation and technology to help save lives.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway said the trial followed concerns raised through a community petition.
“Sixty-eight per cent of public road crossings use only stop and give way signs to warn about the presence of a level crossing and the need to stop to look for trains,” Mr Farraway said.
“Transport for NSW has developed a new strategic direction to help fast track improvements at level crossings which will involve trialing the use of new technology,” he said.
“On top of this we have reduced speed limits to 80km per hour at more than 50 level crossings across regional NSW as part of the Level Crossing Speed Zone Reduction Program.”
Mr Farraway said a lot of crashes at level crossings occurred where the road speed limit was 100km an hour or greater, “so reducing the speed limit gives drivers more time to see the level crossing ahead and stop for oncoming trains.”
He said the TfNSW trials would commence later this year and the data collected would be used to determine the effectiveness of the new technology.
“The trial in Narromine will evaluate the effectiveness of a stop sign with LED warning lighting,” the Minister said.
“The Bribbaree trial will also monitor the effectiveness of stop signs with LED warning lights and LED streetlights.”
