Three more level crossings in western New South Wales are now safer for motorists, pedestrians and freight operators, with several others nearing completion ahead of the busy grain harvest.
New boom gates, flashing lights and warning bells are now operating at crossings in Caragabal, Red Bend and Condobolin, with work at a further four crossings expected to be complete by the end of the year.
The upgrades are improving safety at crossings used every day by local communities, farmers and heavy vehicles, while helping the region prepare for an increase in truck and freight rail movements during harvest.
The projects are jointly funded by the Albanese Government through the $160 million Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund and the Minns Government via the $7.5 million annual Level Crossing Improvement Program and the ARTC.
At Caragabal, the Mid-Western Highway crossing now has been upgraded to include boom gates.
A new dedicated pedestrian crossing near Caragabal Public School has also been delivered, separating pedestrians from road traffic and using active warning signals when trains approach.
With up to six trains passing through Caragabal each day, the new safety measures will help protect road users while supporting the freight movements the region relies on.
At Red Bend near Forbes, the Wongajong Road crossing, an important route to nearby grain handling facility and rail sidings, has been upgraded to replace the previous stop signs with boom gates, flashing lights and warning bells.
At Condobolin, new safety measures have been installed at the Kiacatoo Road crossing, to accommodate heavy vehicles up to 36.5 metres long and improve access to the nearby grain facility and rail siding. The upgrade has also installed solar power and raised signalling equipment above flood levels to improve resilience.
Four further crossings are scheduled for completion before the end of the year – Markham Street in Armidale, Turnaville Road in Scone, Warne Street in Wellington and Mendooran Road at Brocklehurst near Dubbo.
These crossings are among 23 level crossings being upgraded across NSW, helping make regional roads safer for the communities and industries that rely on them.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:
“The Australian Government is investing in safer level crossings across regional Australia, helping protect the people who use these crossings every day.
“These upgrades are making a real difference, particularly during the busy grain harvest when more trucks are moving through the community.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:
“These important upgrades are making level crossings safer for regional communities, while helping protect motorists, pedestrians and freight operators.
“Getting these upgrades done ahead of harvest will help farmers and freight operators move grain safely and efficiently across the region. We want them to be able to do their work safely.
“From Caragabal to Red Bend, we’re delivering practical safety improvements that make a real difference to people who rely on these roads every day for their commute.
“The Minns Labor Government is pleased to be working with the Commonwealth Government to improve safety at 23 level crossings across NSW, supporting safer journeys and stronger regional industries.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW, Deborah O’Neill:
“With grain harvest approaching, the new boom gates, audible warnings and flashing lights will provide greater protection for motorists, pedestrians and trains during this busy season and into the future.
“Level crossing collisions between trains and vehicles are a major road safety risk, and these upgrades will help to support safer connections between the local school, town and railway.”
Quotes attributable to ARTC Infrastructure Projects Director, Heather Parry:
“Level crossings are part of everyday life in regional communities, and these upgrades will provide better protection for the people who use them.
“By making these crossings safer, we are protecting local communities while supporting the farmers and freight operators who rely on the road and rail network to move grain and other products.”
