$1.17 million to upgrade level crossings across New South Wales

Regional councils in New South Wales will share in $1.17 million in grants to improve safety at level crossings.

The funding, delivered through the Level Crossing Improvement Program – Regional Council Minor Works, will support 21 projects, benefiting 81 level crossings on council-managed local and regional roads.

This is a sub-program of the New South Wales Government’s broader Level Crossing Improvement Program – a $7.3 million annual investment to upgrade public level crossings and increase awareness through safety education and enforcement campaigns.

Successful projects were determined through a merit-based application process which considered key safety data including the Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model (ALCAM) rating and New South Wales safety incident data.

As part of the package, Forbes Shire Council will receive $20,000 to fund critical minor engineering works and essential safety upgrades at seven level crossings.

Warrumbungle Shire Council and Central Darling Shire Council will collectively receive more than $200,000, while Armidale Regional Council and Uralla Shire Council will collectively receive more than $211,000.

Shellharbour City Council will receive $186,000 to fund critical minor engineering works and essential safety upgrades at level crossings, including road approaches at Creamery Road and Albion Park Rail.

Lockhart Shire Council will receive more than $52,000, for engineering works and essential safety upgrades at 16 level crossings, while Hilltops Council receives $60,000.

Another $196,000 will fund engineering and safety upgrades at three level crossings at Sandy Hollow across Muswellbrook Shire Council.

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads and Regional Transport of New South Wales said the funding marks a step towards the state’s goal of zero road trauma by 2050.

“With more than 1300 level crossings located on public roads across the state, collisions between trains and vehicles represent a major road and rail safety risk,” said Aitchison.

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many, so I am delighted that there has been such strong interest from councils in this practical initiative to make the community safer.

“It’s also important to remember that while infrastructure improvements continue to reduce risk at level crossings; drivers, riders and pedestrians should always take care and obey the road rules each time they encounter a level crossing.”