A $1.2 million trial of new digital technology to improve level crossing safety in rural and regional areas will soon get underway in New South Wales.
Transport for NSW will run the trial, in partnership with the Australian Government, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and technology company Rail Safety Systems.
The technology, called Rail Active Crossing System (RAXS), is a modular low-cost wireless solution specifically designed for rural and remote locations to turn passive level crossings into active sites.
This will be done using both flashing lights at the crossing as well as wireless train- activated advanced signage which warns motorists that there is a train approaching the level crossing ahead.
In the rare event of a system disruption, it automatically enters 'stop sign' mode, and becomes like a passive crossing - with motorists having to obey the stop sign rules. This compares to existing active level crossings, which activate warning bells and lights until maintenance crews arrive.
The system is solar-powered, wireless and a modular design, can be quickly and cost-effectively installed, and needs less maintenance, potentially overcoming some of the barriers to getting more activated level crossings.
There are more than 2,700 level crossings in NSW, including 1,307 on public roads and of these, 858 are passively controlled by stop or give way signage.
Installation of the first level crossing with the new technology is due to occur this year and Transport for NSW is working with ARTC to determine a suitable location.
The system's innovative design allows for new features to be developed and tested. As part of the trial, Transport will be seeking community and industry feedback on the use of advanced warnings and developing future features to improve level crossing safety.
The NSW Government is providing $715,000 funding for the trial, along with $500,000 from the Australian Government's Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:
"Saving lives and livelihoods by improving road and rail safety is a top priority for the Albanese Government, which is why we are partnering with the NSW Government to trial this new level crossing technology.
"Regional and rural communities have been campaigning for safety upgrades at level crossings and we are acting, with this grant being just the latest example.
"Through the Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program, we are investing a total of $180 million towards level crossing safety initiatives, from infrastructure upgrades such as boom gates through to other innovative technologies and data.
"I look forward to seeing this technology make a real difference during the trial, and to continuing to work with the NSW Government to advance level crossing safety in the state."
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"Most fatalities at level crossing crashes happen in rural and regional areas, leaving families and whole communities devastated.
"Geography, lack of access to power, and other infrastructure constraints mean it is not always possible to install traditional level crossing treatments.
"I am pleased to be able to announce a trial of this innovative technology, which has been long awaited by regional communities, survivors and family members of those we have lost in level crossing crashes.
"If successful, the trial of RAXS technology could make activating more regional level crossings more affordable and rolled out more quickly. Up to three sites could be upgraded for the cost of traditional level crossing treatments.
"The NSW Government is committed to implementing a suite of measures to improve level crossing safety, including grade separation, new technology upgrades and low speed limits, depending on the circumstances and constraints at each crossing.
"Most importantly we are working on a coordinated approach that provides certainty to those who have experienced a catastrophic crash at a level crossing that we will act to improve level crossing safety across the network."
