Article: Gates for Isa, curry crossings

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From the North West Star click here!

Gates for Isa, curry crossings

Gates for Isa, curry crossings

30/04/2009 7:58:00 AM

MOUNT Isa and Cloncurry are set to get new rail crossing flashing lights and boom gates as part of the Federal Government?s $26.4 billion boom gates for rail crossings program.

Queensland has received $42.7 million for 66 high-risk level crossings, of which 24 are in the Federal seat of Kennedy.

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter welcomed the funding for rail crossings in far north Queensland, saying the seat clearly needed an upgrade of its rail crossings.

?This is no credit to my representations,? Mr Katter said.

?Clearly action had to be demanded, when within Kennedy three of Queensland?s five level crossing fatalities occurred last year.

?High-risk level crossings from Ingham, Tully and Gordonvale, to Mareeba, Mount Isa and Cloncurry, will be upgraded with flashing lights and boom gates.?

Work on the Mount Isa and Cloncurry crossings are to begin in the middle of the year and be completed by mid-2010.

Mr Katter said the new rail crossings would improve safety.

?These projects will improve road safety, provide local jobs and support local businesses,? he said.

?On behalf of every North Queensland road and rail user, I welcome this program.

?It will improve safety, prevent accidents and save lives.?

From January 1, 2001 to June 30, 2008 there were 141 vehicle collisions at level crossings in Queensland and 578 for the same period, across Australia.