A level crossing is the intersection between a railway line and a road or path. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
Lockhart Shire Council will receive more than $52,000 to fund potentially life-saving upgrades to level crossings.
The money comes from the NSW Government’s $1.17 million Level Crossing Improvement Program – Regional Council Minor Works.
A level crossing is an intersection where a railway line crosses a road or path, which includes footpaths, bridleways and cycleways.
Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison warned that the community should still be mindful when approaching level crossings.
“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.”
The funding will be used to improve road approaches at Neuhaus Lane, boost pedestrian safety at Yerong Creek and replace signage at 14 other crossings.
Wagga MP Joe McGirr said: “These potentially lifesaving projects will address real safety concerns across the Wagga Wagga electorate.
“It’s exactly the kind of practical infrastructure investment our regional communities need to keep people safe on our roads.”
The move is part of the NSW Government’s broader Level Crossing Improvement Program, whereby $7.3 million will be invested annually to fund upgrades to public level crossings and safety education and enforcement campaigns.
Key safety data, including the Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model (ALCAM) rating and the NSW safety incident data, were used to determine whether project submissions were successful.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many. These infrastructure improvements are another step towards our goal of zero road trauma by 2050,” Ms Aitchison said.
