Canberra’s new light rail vehicles have officially been granted priority right of way at intersections and crossings on the light rail route.
Minister for Transport, Meegan Fitzharris urged Canberrans driving, cycling or walking near the light rail route to be aware of light rail vehicles as they begin to move faster along the track.
“The community should expect light rail vehicles to be the first to cross through intersections, pedestrian crossings and median crossings when traveling along the Gungahlin to the City route,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“As with all the changes associated with light rail, the important thing is to obey the road rules. If everyone obeys the rules — in particular, paying close attention to traffic lights — everyone is safe.”
Director of the Light Rail Project, Meghan Oldfield said that a new traffic signalling system would provide light rail vehicles with priority as they approached intersections.
“The new traffic signalling system will ensure that passengers enjoy the most efficient journey time when traveling on light rail, while helping to maintain frequency,” Ms Oldfield said.
“Where in the past motorists may have been able to predict the traffic lights because of the regular sequencing, this will now change,” she said.
“The ‘usual’ sequence of signals will be disrupted as they approach an intersection and it’s really important that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians pay attention to them.”
She said pedestrians would now see a ‘don’t walk’ signal when they reached a track crossing if a light rail vehicle was approaching.
Pedestrians and cyclists would need to wait for the green signal before crossing the tracks.
“New signs and traffic signals have been installed to remind motorists and pedestrians that they are now travelling alongside a light rail service,” Ms Oldfield said.
