Level crossings and Grade separation - level crossing removal

[Dean Quick]

Yesterdays aquittal of the truck driver involved in the Kerang level crossing crash at Kerang Victoria is a decision that I for one will never accept. I believe a terrible miscarriage of justice has occured. Despite efforts by many community organisations to highlight the need for driver vigilance on our roads,especially at level crossings, this driver is allowed to walk away free from any blame. Clearly our justice system that I thought was there to protect community interests does not share the view of these particular organisations and once again irresponsible behavior that resulted in loss of life has gone unpunished. If stop/give way signs,pedestrian crossings and flashing lights don't need to be obeyed then why have them at all? This just reinforces my view that the trucking industry are a law unto themselves and anyone else on or near the road does so at their peril.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Truck hits car and train at level crossing in north Queensland

Truck hits car and train at level crossing in north Queensland
Article from: The Courier-Mail

David Earley

June 26, 2009 11:43am

A TRUCK smashed into a car and a cane train this morning in another level crossing crash in far north Queensland.
Police said the crash happened about 7.30am on the Bruce Highway at Feluga, near Tully, when a semi-trailer travelling south hit a sedan that was stationary at the level crossing.

The truck then smashed into the carriages of a cane train, pushing the carriages into a 4WD that was on the opposite side of the crossing.

Police are currently diverting traffic around the crash on the Bruce Highway at Feluga.

A statement from Queensland Rail said the cane train was on a private rail line, owned by a local sugar mill.

" A cane train, owned and operated by a sugar mill, collided with a semi-trailer at the Feluga level crossing between Tully and El-Arish," the statement read.

"The accident occurred on a private railway line but debris landed on the QR network. The debris is expected to be cleared from the network before the next train is due on that section of track at 2.35pm today."

Queensland Rail said they did not expect delays to passenger or freight trains.

The level crossing was protected by flashing lights.

[Dean Quick]

Seems there at it again. Two motorists that were doing the right thing at a level crossing are badly injured by a truck driver who was not. This latest act of stupidity by the truck driving fraternity further lowers my opinion of the road freight industry.

[mufreight]

Has the truck driver been charged with danderous and negligent driving? if not why not.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Train crossing slowdown after sugar cane train crash

Train crossing slowdown after sugar cane train crash
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Ursula Heger

June 27, 2009 12:00am

SPEED limits near 130 highway level crossings in Queensland could be lowered in a bid to prevent accidents.

The move comes after a privately-owned sugar cane train was involved in an accident at a level crossing south of Cairns.

Police said the accident, at Feluga, occurred after a semi-trailer struck a 4WD at a level crossing, pushing the car into the train. Another vehicle waiting on the other side of the crossing was also damaged.

The vehicle drivers suffered minor injuries in the accident.

A report into level crossing safety tabled in Federal Parliament recommended cutting the speed limit in the areas of highways that intersect level crossings to 80km/h in a bid to reduce collisions.

The report, by the Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, found that despite improvements to train visibility over the past five years, level crossing accidents across Australia were occurring at an average of 68 a year.

The report also recommended implementing rumble strips on roads, investigating installing extra warnings for motorists approaching level crossings, and enforcing uniform fines for motorists caught attempting to beat oncoming trains.

The committee also recommended a national database to collate incident reports for better national policy of crossing accidents.

Committee chair Catherine King said there was a "distinct lack of aggregate data which details the causes of these often horrific crashes across Australia".

A spokesman for Queensland Transport and Main Roads said yesterday the State Government would consider the recommendations, including lowering the speed limit on highways that intersect railway lines.

"Data such as road and rail speed, traffic volumes, sighting distance, current controls and road alignment are collected and used to determine the appropriate controls for a particular location," he said.

"The lowering of road and rail speeds is a treatment that can also be considered."

He said 130 level crossings occurred on highways where the speed limit was 100km/h or above.

Australasian Railway Association chief executive officer Bryan Nye said yesterday that the recommendations must be implemented to improve crossing safety.

"The reality is that every level crossing collision is avoidable," Mr Nye said.

A fatal accident near Cardwell in the state's north late last year, and an accident in Dalby where an eight-year-old boy was killed this year both occurred at highway intersections with a speed limit of 100km/h.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Train delays as car hits boom gates

Train delays as car hits boom gates
Christine Kellett
July 1, 2009 - 7:49AM

All trains on the Caboolture line have been suspended after a car hit boom gates at Bracken Ridge this morning.

A Translink spokesman said police were en route to the Telegraph Road crossing to direct traffic while the boom was reattached.

Delays of up to 20 minutes are expected, he said.

The incident occurred about 7.25am.

"There are a couple of trains banked up there at the moment, but police are on the way and will be directing traffic to get them (trains) moving again."

The incident follows an electrical fault on the Sandgate line which caused only minor delays.

[Dean Quick]

Obviously the message just isn't sinking in. All I can say is that there must be a lot of dummies out there who JUST DON'T GET IT!!!

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Car hits boom gates - again

Car hits boom gates - again
Article from: The Courier-Mail

By Robyn Ironside

July 27, 2009 08:23am

TRAFFIC has come to a standstill on Telegraph Road at Bald Hills on Brisbane's northside where a car has hit the boom gates at the railway crossing.

Train services were momentarily disrupted after the crash just before 7am, but are now running as normal.

Road traffic remains at a standstill in the area either side of the t-section of Telegraph Road and Lacey Road.

The boom gate has been hit several times previously.

[mufreight]

One would hope that this incompetent driver has been charged with neglegent driving and has had his/her drivers licence immediately suspended.

[ozbob]

There is another display this week on the Central Station concourse highlighting the need for level crossing awareness and safety.



Photograph R Dow 27th July 2009

[ozbob]

Media Release 28 July 2009

Queensland:  Stop does mean stop!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said that the continuing pandering to road users concerning level crossings has now reached crisis point.  Road vehicle drivers are still regularly breaking road rules at level crossings. They don't care! Automatic licence suspension for level crossing breaches together with full cost recovery for the damage, death, injury and disruption should also be mandatory.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Train crew, train passengers and road vehicle drivers and their passengers need immediate protection."

"Yesterday another motor vehicle drove into boom gates and disrupted rail services. Just another incident in the ongoing saga of high risk behaviours by motorists and their apparent disregard for their own and others welfare."

"A report of a school bus failing to stop as directed at a rail crossing (1) just further highlights inaction on recommendations that arose out of the investigation in 2008 of a fatal school bus level crossing collision between Dalby and Chinchilla on the 5th June 2008 (2)."

Listed immediately below are a number of recent statements from RAIL Back On Track concerning level crossing safety and enforcement:

29 May 2009 Queensland:  Bridge strikes, level crossing incidents continue unabated - action demanded today.
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2327.0

9 May 2009: Queensland: It is time - call for automatic licence suspension ...
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2246.0

16 Apr 2009: Queensland: Time for level crossing action
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2140.0

1 Jan 2009: Queensland: Passengers want action concerning railway crossing ...
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1718.0

"Time Queensland Transport and the Government took decisive action."

"Enough is enough.  Will it take another level crossing disaster before the authorities decisively act?"

References:

1.  http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/15/2572088.htm
2.  http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/16/2393501.htm?site=southqld

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Session on 612 ABC radio Brisbane on level crossings click here!

Here's evidence, captured by 612's Rebecca Levingston this morning, of cars ignoring the boom gates at Telegraph Rd, Bald Hills.

Yesterday morning, trains and traffic were halted for an hour after the boom gates were broken by a car thought to be running the lights.

ABC News yesterday reported there have been almost thirty such incidents at Telegraph Rd in the past five years.

The Courier Mail recently said there had been 800 incidents across the state.

This morning, we asked for your solution to the problem.

Then Rebecca Levingston reported live from Telegraph Road, as more cars and trucks broke the law and played chicken with trains.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Solution flagged for boomgate boofheads

Solution flagged for boomgate boofheads
Tony Moore
July 28, 2009 - 1:21PM

The State Government will be handed a design and business case for an overpass over the controversial Telegraph Road rail crossing at Bracken Ridge by the end of the week, after a motorist drove into boomgates again yesterday.

The news comes amid a call for traffic cameras to be installed at the notorious trouble spot as one way to deter drivers who fail to stop at level crossings.

The cost of the overpass is about $80 million - significantly less than the $100 million originally budgeted for the project.

"We got it back yesterday and we plan to have to the State Government by the end of the week," a Brisbane City Council spokesman said of the design and business case.

Telegraph Road is one of three inner Brisbane rail crossings where Brisbane City Council is pushing the State Government to build overpasses to eliminate the chance of fatal rail crossing accidents.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan yesterday hit out at drivers who failed to stop at level crossings, with even minor accidents causing significant rail an road delays across the network.

The business case for a $161 million overpass at Robinson Road, Geebung, was sent to the State Government in August 2008.

No commitment has been made to the project by the State Government, despite Brisbane City Council offering to pay half the costs - significantly more than the local council normally provides.

Ms Nolan said if the Brisbane City Council submitted a business case for an overpass at Telegraph Road - as it had been claiming it would for many months - then it would be considered by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

"We will consider the proposal if and when it is completed by Brisbane City Council but the fact remains that the Lord Mayor campaigned on this and other road projects in 2004 and now he is asking Queensland taxpayers to fund those election commitments," Ms Nolan said.

Brisbane councillor Amanda Cooper said installing cameras could be valuable in the short-term.

"Anything that improves safety at this level crossing would be a good thing, but it wouldn't solve the problem and there needs to be a permanent solution," Cr Cooper said.

"We have committed to funding half the cost of a new overpass for Telegraph Road, but the State Government has told us there's no money available until at least 2015.

"The problem won't be solved until they come to the table and help us fund this overpass."

Ms Nolan questioned the value of installing traffic cameras at level crossings to videotape motorists who ran red lights, flashing lights and stops signs.

"This is not about building more infrastructure, this is about drivers failing to take sufficient notice of warning systems," Ms Nolan said.

"Stop signs, boom gates and flashing lights mean the same thing, slow down and be aware."

A $1 million road safety campaign for level crossings is currently underway.

The State Government was committed to overpasses for two crossings in Southeast Queensland;  one at Beaudesert Rd, Acacia Ridge ($113 million) and at Mawhinney Street, Beerwah ($70 million).

[Dean Quick]

The Gov't could build a reinforced concrete wall at these particular level crossings and still some irresponsible fool would find a way to end up on the tracks. The bad reputation of these 2 crossings are a general reflection of driver behavior at all 23,000 crossings right across the country. In recent times we have seen a rise in reported near misses at most crossings often with tragic results. Building overpasses at all level crossings is just not feasable. Massive increases in fines, loss of licence and mandatory gaol terms would make drivers think twice. Driver behavior has to change not the level crossings.

[Derwan]

Okay - so it's been a year since the Geebung submission and we have no commitment to date.  Looks like cars will be hitting boom gates for at least another year at Bald Hills before any decision will be made.

Or will this news-making crossing be fast-tracked ahead of Geebung?  If so, I'd suggest some people using the Geebung crossing run into the boom gates to get some attention!

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Train delays after more boomgate woes

Train delays after more boomgate woes
Marissa Calligeros
August 4, 2009 - 8:17AM

Rail commuters are facing delays this morning after cars struck two boom gates at separate level crossings on the CityTrain network.

The boom arm at the level crossing on Beenleigh Road at the Kuraby level crossing was struck by a vehicle about 7.20am, halting services on the Beenleigh line.

Less than one minute later, another vehicle struck boom gates at a level crossing on South Pine Road at Alderly, in the city's inner-north.

Inbound trains on the Ferny Grove line came to a standstill as a result of the crash.

It is understood the boom gates on South Pine Road have been repaired and services are returning to normal.

Train services on the Beenleigh line are also now running, although commuters can expect delays up to 30 minutes on both lines.

Police have advised motorists traffic is now flowing along South Pine Road.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Brisbane trains stopped as two boom gates fail

Brisbane trains stopped as two boom gates fail
Article from: The Courier-Mail

August 04, 2009 07:48am

TWO incidents involving broken boom gates have brought trains to a halt on both sides of Brisbane during this morning's peak hour.
A bus knocked out a boom gate on South Pine Road at Alderley, halting outbound trains on the Ferny Grove line.

Inbound services are still operating but ``very slowly'' according to Translink.

At Beenleigh Road, Kuraby south of Brisbane, another boom gate has been taken out.

The Translink spokeswoman said commuters should expect delays of at least 30 minutes in both directions on the Beenleigh line.

Police have just arrived on scene and services should return to normal soon, she said.

The Alderley incident is also creating delays for motorists on South Pine Road, with the lights flashing red at the level crossing.

Police have advised motorists to avoid South Pine Road at Alderley.

[mufreight]

As usual the Courier Mail has it wrong,
The boom gates did not fail they were struck and damaged by an incompetent motorist who is obviously neither capable nor fit to hold a drivers licence.
Hitting boom gates is not an accident it is stupidity.

[#Metro]

Put a red light camera at rail crossings. Fine them heaps.
We only know about the rail crossings that result in an accident- so how many people (cars and pedestrians) are actually running through tracks without anyone else knowing?

There are red light and speed cameras on roads, so why not for rail crossings?

[Dean Quick]

One can only hope that these latest idiots to smash into crossing barriers will lose thier licence,pay a heavy fine, and are forced to pay for the repairs to the crossing. Then perhaps make a public apology to the thousands of commuters that arrived late this morning due to thier ignorance and incompetence.

[mufreight]

The bus that struck the booms at South Pine Road at Alderley was a Brisbane Transport operated service, one would hope that this driver has immediately been stood down before he/she risks the lives of more members of the public and that charges of either danderous driving or negligent operation of a motor vehicle are laid and prosecuted.
No room on our roads for this sort of stupidity.

[ozbob]

Media Release 7 August 2009

Queensland:  Time for action. Stop does mean stop!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said that the continuing pandering to road users concerning level crossings has now reached crisis point.  Road vehicle drivers are still regularly breaking road rules at level crossings. They don't care! Automatic licence suspension for level crossing breaches together with full cost recovery for the damage, death, injury and disruption should also be mandatory.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Train crew, train passengers and road vehicle drivers and their passengers, cyclists and pedestrians need immediate protection."

"This week there have been more level crossing incidents, one of these involved a bus.  This is of major concern, more incidents in the ongoing saga of high risk behaviours by motorists and other road users and their apparent disregard for their own and others welfare."

"Why is there a reluctance of Queensland Transport and Government to take immediate decisive action?  Will it take another Kerang type incident before substantial penalties are put in place for irresponsible behaviour by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians?

"A report of a school bus failing to stop as directed at a rail crossing (1) just further highlights the ongoing inaction. Recommendations that arose out of the investigation in 2008 of a fatal school bus level crossing collision between Dalby and Chinchilla on the 5th June 2008 have not been implemented (2)."

Listed immediately below are a number of recent statements from RAIL Back On Track concerning level crossing safety and enforcement:

29 May 2009 Queensland:  Bridge strikes, level crossing incidents continue unabated - action demanded today.
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2327.0

9 May 2009: Queensland: It is time - call for automatic licence suspension ...
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2246.0

16 Apr 2009: Queensland: Time for level crossing action
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2140.0

1 Jan 2009: Queensland: Passengers want action concerning railway crossing ...
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1718.0

"Time Queensland Transport and the Government took decisive action."

"Enough is enough.  Will it take another level crossing disaster before the authorities decisively act?"

References:

1.  http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/15/2572088.htm
2.  http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/16/2393501.htm?site=southqld

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[#Metro]

There is another display this week on the Central Station concourse highlighting the need for level crossing awareness and safety.

This display is nice, but rather, well, not so useful? People milling around central station are probably train commuters who don't use a car! It a bit like preaching to the converted!

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Sunlander crash passengers had to get own bags

Sunlander crash passengers had to get own bags
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Ursula Heger

August 17, 2009 12:00am

INJURED passengers on a Sunlander train involved in a collision with a truck in North Queensland had to return to the wreckage to collect their suitcases.

The confusion in the moments after the accident on New Year's Day was described in a final report into the crash tabled in State Parliament last week.

Passengers on the train told crash investigators how panic swept through people trying to evacuate the train after they were unable to open some exit doors and were told fuel was leaking from the wrecked truck.

The passengers said they were left waiting in a field next to the collision site for 2? hours after the accident, with one complaining of severe sunburn.

In response to a questionnaire sent to passengers, one said: "  Some passengers had to go back to the train to collect their luggage when they had injuries and were in pain."

But the report, which outlined several recommendations in the wake of the accident, said most passengers described the crash response by Queensland Rail and emergency services staff as "excellent".

QR yesterday denied passengers were told by staff to go back and collect their luggage.

"While a small number of passengers may have collected luggage of their own volition, there was no directive from QR staff to do so," it said in a statement.

"In fact, QR took responsibility for all luggage, with passenger safety and wellbeing being forefront of mind."

The accident, which occurred when a Subloos garbage truck and the southbound Sunlander train collided south of Innisfail, killed the 40-year-old truck driver, Terry Brown, and injured nine others.

The report concluded that the cause of the accident was most likely an error on the part of the truck driver, who did not stop his vehicle before entering the level crossing.

But several issues with the level crossing on Aerodrome Rd were also outlined, including that road markings and warning signs near the crossing either were in poor condition or were not compliant with state regulations.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said motorists needed to take all precautions around level crossings.

The train was reportedly travelling at 10km/h below the 80km/h speed limit when the collision occurred.

Report --> here!

Safety Reports --> http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Safety/Rail/Safety_reports/

[Sunbus610]

QR?s Chief Executive Officer has written an emotional plea to local motorists to be aware at level crossings to save lives.

Link to:-  QR pleads for drivers to take care at level crossings

[ozbob]

From the Quest South West News 11th November 2009 page 3

Rail camera call

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Queensland railway crossing gate funding hits crossroad

Queensland railway crossing gate funding hits crossroad
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Ursula Heger

December 02, 2009 11:00pm

FUNDING to upgrade three of the southeast's most dangerous level crossings has stalled, despite more than 20 near misses between motorists and trains last year.

The level crossings, at Geebung, Wynnum and Bald Hills were earmarked for urgent upgrades by Brisbane City Council in 2004, after several serious incidents between trains and motorists.

Yesterday deputy mayor Graham Quirk said the council remained willing to fund 50 per cent of the cost of upgrading the projects ? worth in total about $385 million ? but had not received any commitment from the State Government.

"The money is in the budget to fund half the cost of these projects, which is more than council has ever funded in the past for open level crossings," he said.

"We are hopeful that the State Government can find funds for the benefit of motorists stuck daily in the horrendous bottlenecks."

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman is also adamant that the state needs to contribute to the level-crossing upgrades.

"It's not fair on the ratepayers of Brisbane to bear the full cost of funding these crossings," he said.

The State Government is understood to be unable to contribute funds for any level-crossing upgrades outside of Beerwah and Acacia Ridge, in the southeast, until at least the 2014-2015 financial year and only $16.1 million per year until 2020-2021.

But the State Government yesterday hit back at the suggestion it would pay part of the level-crossing upgrade, saying the Lord Mayor should fund his election promises.

"These crossing upgrades are an election commitment. It took 4? years for council to complete a business case ? and all the business case does is ask the state to fund council's promise," Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said.

"We don't make election commitments and then expect council to pay for them. The State Government is discussing the business case with council officers. But the bottom line is this: council made a promise and they should deliver on it."

The Government has received only business cases for the Wynnum and Bald Hills upgrades.

Figures released to The Courier-Mail yesterday show motorists broke through nearly 290 boom gates at level crossings across Queensland between July 2008 and August this year, with Telegraph Rd at Bald Hills recording the highest number of incidents for any level crossing across the state.

The cost of replacing broken boom gates across the state totalled $1.4 million during the same period, with each damaged boom gate estimated to cost $5000.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said the motorists were playing Russian roulette with their lives by trying to beat oncoming trains.

"Apart from the inherent risk to people and property, a motorist who damages a boom gate also causes lengthy delays to the rail network," she said. "More than half of all near misses and collisions occur at level crossings that have boom gates and flashing lights."

[ozbob]

From the Sunshine Coast Daily click here!

Three seconds from train disaster

Three seconds from train disaster

Janine Hill | 4th December 2009

FIFTY metres and three seconds were all that separated a train and bus from disaster on a level crossing at Landsborough yesterday.

Train driver Jeff Birt has had his share of reckless motorists going through the boom gates in front of him.
Brett Wortman

FIFTY metres and three seconds were all that separated a train and bus from disaster on a level crossing at Landsborough yesterday.

Police are investigating the near-miss, which occurred about midday on the Caloundra Road crossing.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said the driver of the northbound train reported seeing the bus drive around the boom gates.

?The train missed by about 50 metres, but with a train going that speed the difference is about three seconds,? she said.

The near-miss came just two days after Queensland Rail launched a DVD featuring train drivers pleading for motorists to act with common sense on level crossings.

The DVD campaign, which includes community service announcements, follows the deaths of two tilt train drivers a year ago and a fatal collision between a train and rubbish truck in North Queensland in January.

Queensland Rail has recorded nearly 1000 incidents at level crossings in south-east Queensland during the past five years, 122 of which were on the Sunshine Coast.

Train driver of 27 years Jeff Birt, who drives regularly between Nambour and Brisbane, said near-misses at level crossings were not uncommon.

?I?ve had near-misses. They go through the boom gates in front of you,? he said.

?It?s been pretty close.?

Mr Birt rated the Telegraph Road crossing at Bald Hills, in Brisbane, as one of the worst spots for offenders.

The Beerwah level crossing was another worry, but that had been eliminated thanks to a new rail overpass, he said.

Mr Birt said he had eyeballed drivers during some near-misses on level crossings, and said it was only luck that he had not been involved in a fatal accident.

He said it took an average of 300 to 400 metres to stop a train, and he pleaded for car drivers not to try to take one on at a crossing.

?It?s a simple rule. Don?t be an idiot,? he said.

?Don?t take the risk of beating the train. That way, you will be home on time to see your family.

?If the lights are flashing and the boom gates are down, don?t do anything.

?It?s stupid trying to beat the train, because it could be fatal to you or both of us.?

View the Drivers? Plea DVD at www.railsmart.com.au/driversplea

[ozbob]

A driver who takes a vehicle around activated boom gates deserves immediate and instant disqualification for life.  Additionally a substantial fine to contemplate the seriousness of the offense.  Until such action is taken all the campaigns in the world, no matter how well intended are not going to address the root cause, stupidity and irresponsibility.

[ozbob]

Campaigns find it hard to overcome idiots ..


612brisbane
 
QR: A boom gate on the Cavendish Road level crossing at Coorparoo has been damaged. Trains halted both directions. less than a minute ago from iTweet

[Derwan]

Photos from the latest incident at Banyo:  http://www.derwan.com/photography/album.asp?album=47

[brad C]

Whilst I don't condone this irresponsible behaviour, it is almost a form of road rage.

railway lines within suburbia are becoming busier and often with multi track crossings, gates can be down for over 10 minutes (good example is telegraph road at Bald Hills. This must cause frustration on an already chocked road network.

Given that rail seems to have a god given right to hold up traffic for hours on end - remember Campbell street at Bowen Hills, it is time that the state Govt and Local Authorities stopped their flick passing and set about on a serious on-going program to eliminate these anachronistic crossings left over from the horse and cart era with grade separated crossings.
The benefits will be enormous:
- free flowing traffic Road and rail)
- no more dare devil acts
-less fuel burned from idling motors
-No more 100db train klaxons blaring at all hours of the day and night.

How about a RBOT Lobby to get the Geebung and Bald Hills basket cases moving quickly!!

[O_128]

All the issue is  in money. for example the lindum crossing is being fought over by state and local govs as neither wants to pay for it

[Jon Bryant]

Grade separated crossings (usually with road over the rail) destroys the local amenity at what we want to become Transit Oriented Developments. Take Enoggera as a perfect example of this. Under passes are slightly better but bridge strikes become an issue.  Our road congestion is caused by an over emphasis on road infrastructure not the odd boom gate. We have over engineered our city already and ugly overpasses are just going to make our city more car oriented. There has to be alternatives that create a safer harder to damage rail crossing.    

[ozbob]

http://www.alp.org.au/media/1209/mstard100.php

Media Statement - 10th December 2009

Anthony Albanese - Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Transport and Regional Development, Minister for Local Government, Leader of the House


Work is now complete on the installation of boom gates and other safety measures at two high risk level rail crossings in Queensland, with funding from the Rudd Labor Government's Economic Stimulus Plan.

Boom gates have been installed at the following locations:

    * Warner Road, Wrights Creek (between Edmonton and Gordonvale);
    * Hesp-Bennett Road, Aloomba.

Under the boom gates program, Queensland has been allocated $42.7 million to upgrade 66 high risk level crossings by June 2010.

Within this program eight level crossings have already been upgraded on time and within budget, with QR Network Pty Ltd having managed their delivery.

Tragically, about 100 accidents occur at rail crossings every year.

Never before has the Federal Government had a program dedicated to improving safety and preventing accidents at level crossings. This investment will not only improve road safety but also support local jobs and local businesses during the current global recession.

Nationally, our $150 million Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program will fund the installation of boom gates and other safety measures at 292 level crossings.

[#Metro]

But the State Government yesterday hit back at the suggestion it would pay part of the level-crossing upgrade, saying the Lord Mayor should fund his election promises.

"These crossing upgrades are an election commitment. It took 4? years for council to complete a business case ? and all the business case does is ask the state to fund council's promise," Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said.

This is madness from the Minister. If rail tracks cross a BCC road then it seems logical to split the cost into two.
And I wouldn't go around criticising unfunded election promises, lest someone finds a few unfunded gems in the QLD Government closet of election promises.

[ozbob]

Twitter


612brisbane
 
QR: Boom arm on the Caloundra Rd level crossing damaged by a truck – delaying Gympie Nth-Roma St train at Landsborough for approx 1 hr.

12 minutes ago from web

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail 21st December 2009

'Remember your family'

[#Metro]

I've seen the videos and the website.
I really feel for the person, because you can see it going to happen right in front of you- there is a bit of time, but the train being so big it is impossible to stop.

Although the video and website are helpful, I feel:

1. That a rail crossing should be included in the hazard perception test (if it isn't already there)
2. That every drivers licence handbook should come with a graphic "what can happen when you don't follow the rules" pictographic section with messages like the QR video/website; This could also include people with stories about drug driving, drink driving, speeding and fatigue.
3. CCTV monitoring for smaller crossings, and Rail Light Red Camera for major crossings
4. Increase Fines
5. Proposal for progressive forwards-facing cameras in the cabs of all QR Citytrains and freight trains to capture video. Most Citytrains have internal cameras, why not an outward facing one?
6. Public memorials (a simple cross with permission of the family) at sites where fatalities have occured.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Drivers trying to take on trains


THIS shocking image shows the moment a reckless driver nearly died when crossing paths with a 400-tonne freight train at a level crossing.
http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2009/12/30/IQT_31-12-2009_NEWS_01_miss30bigger_fct416x256x84_t325.jpg

Drivers trying to take on trains

Zane Jackson | 31st December 2009




Queensland Rail bosses say they are frustrated with the number of drivers who put both their life and train driver's lives at risk by ignoring the flashing red lights at crossings.

Queensland Rail released the image – taken at a crossing in Grandchester – to highlight how serious the problem was.

Acting QR CEO Michael Carter said he could not understand why drivers continued to ignore level crossing safety campaigns.

"This is a clear example of a motorist who knew the risks and chose to flout the law," Mr Carter said.

"It's difficult to understand why motorists would risk their lives to save a few minutes on their journey.

"It's only luck this latest incident didn't result in a more serious outcome. Regrettably, near-misses happen all too often."

While the incident pictured occurred in September this year, just two days before Christmas another driver cheated death at the same Railway Street crossing in Grandchester.

The sedan driver narrowly avoided being cleaned up by a train after it overtook another car – which had stopped at the crossing for the train – before driving over the tracks.

The train was close enough to the car for the driver to note the vehicle's registration number, which QR said had been passed on to police.

Mr Carter said the incident had left the train driver shaken and upset.

"Despite all the recent publicity surrounding level crossing incidents in recent weeks, some people still don't understand the potential danger of failing to obey the road rules," he said.

"QR is pleading with all road users to take care at crossings over the festive season, and obey the road rules not only for their own safety but for the effect an accident would have on their friends, neighbours and the wider community."

Just last week, The Queensland Times reported on another near-miss on level crossings in the Ipswich region, involving pedestrians.

Earlier this month in Walloon, a high school student also avoided death as he ran across a level crossing in front of a passenger train.