Unprecedented spending program to improve rail level crossing safety

Transport Minister John Mickel says an unprecedented spending program to improve rail level crossing safety across the state will reduce crashes, potentially save lives and create jobs.

“All up the program involves spending of about $65 million,” Mr Mickel said.

“The major funding source is a $42 million Federal Government injection over two years which will accelerate the installation of boom gates and other active rail crossing control mechanisms at level crossings throughout Queensland.”

“A further $13 million is available in an existing long-term program to improve safety at level crossings, along with $10 million allocated through the QR Taskforce which has focussed on rail crossings in North Queensland.

“Works to be undertaken at level crossing sites may include, boom gates and flashing lights, active advanced warning lights and signs, rumble strips, flashing strobe lights and additional signage and road markings.

“Queensland is in a position to immediately commence the rollout of some treatments and to rapidly progress planning for the remaining sites.

“All regions of Queensland can expect to benefit from these safety upgrades,” Mr Mickel said.

In addition, QR with support from Queensland Transport has launched a $1 million community education campaign to improve level crossing safety following two recent fatal collisions and ongoing concerns about motorists’ behaviour.

The statewide ‘Some things are worth waiting for’ campaign includes TV, radio and newspaper advertising.

“Level crossing safety is a complex problem. Education, enforcement and engineering improvements must go together if we are to halt the alarming increase in incidents,” Mr Mickel said.

“QR already spends more than $250,000 each year to promote rail safety. This new public awareness campaign aims to educate drivers about what they are risking if they ignore warnings at level crossings.”

Media contact: 3237 1944

15 February 2009