Thirty-two high-priority railway level crossing improvements across Victoria’s regional network will be carried out thanks to over $54 million in state and federal funding.
These works are being funded under Round 2 of the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF).
“From Swan Hill to Gippsland, this funding is supporting upgrades like boom gates, signage, flashing lights and rumble strips, to better alert motorists and pedestrians approaching regional railway crossings,” said Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King.
In the Ararat and Pyrenees council areas, eight level crossings will share in $14 million of funding.
This includes the level crossing at Challicum Road, near Dip Road in Buangor. South of Coach Road and near the Historic Buangor Railway Station, the crossing currently relies on flashing lights and signage as the only safety measures.
The $1.8 million upgrade will deliver boom gates and axle counters.
In the Ararat Rural City Council area, upgrades are also being delivered to level crossings at Gravel Route Road in Buangor, Greenhill Lake Road in Ararat, Military Bypass Road in Armstrong, Porters Bridge Road in Tatyoon, and Warrayatkin Road in Dobie.
Next door in the Pyrenees Shire both the Finnegan Road and Old Shirley Road level crossings will receive upgrades to deliver boom gates and axle counters.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett added, “Country level crossings can be dangerous places for motorists, pedestrians and train drivers.
“These upgrades will make such a difference to the people who drive through these level crossings every day.”
The RLCUF aims to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal accidents that have a devastating impact on communities.