NSW on track for life-saving level crossing upgrades

Railway crossings in New South Wales are on track to receive significant upgrades thanks to the Australian Government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF).

The RLCUF aims to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal crashes that have a devastating impact on communities.

The Australian Government has committed $160 million over four years to state and territory governments to fund up to 50 per cent of the cost of delivering railway crossing upgrades.

The NSW Government will receive $28 million in the first round of funding, which will go towards a program of works across the state’s regional road network and be delivered in partnership with rail infrastructure managers.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King explained the Australian government is committed to improving level crossing safety in regional communities.

“This funding will provide upgrading of treatments such as signage, boom gates, flashing lights and rumble strips, to better alert motorists and pedestrians approaching regional railway crossings,” she said.

“This funding is part of the broader Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program (RALCSP), which is investing $180 million to deliver a coordinated and holistic approach to improving railway crossing safety across the country.

“The RALCSP also invests in education and awareness activities on how to behave safely around railway crossings, improved data and risk assessments, along with research and trials to promote low-cost, innovative safety solutions,” King said.

The proposed list includes 23 priority projects for railway crossing improvements across nine electorates covering a large area of regional NSW.

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison explained the NSW government will partner with the federal government to deliver this program.

“We’re matching the federal funding injection and the additional investments we’re making are absolutely crucial because they will improve safety in regional communities and help save lives,” she said.

“I’d like to thank Minister King and the Albanese Government for their injection of these much-needed funds to level crossing safety in regional NSW.”

These upgrades include the installation of retro-reflective boom gates, audible warning devices, updated signage and LED flashing lights increasing the visibility of crossings on both sides of the roadway in response to approaching trains.

More information on the RLCUF and its guidelines is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.

Full list of projects: