Level crossings and Grade separation - level crossing removal

[p858snake]

Arbor St at Ferny Grove! Not sure how the plans are going but they seem to want to connect Archdale to Samford Rd so they can remove this one

If they wanted to do this, They should have moved the station a bit so that intersection could have gone straight though to the other side, Now it will be a mess if they want to close that crossing and direct people though the car park.

[wbj]

Take Todd Road, Lawnton off any to do list.  The Francis Road 4 lane bridge currently under construction will take most of the pressure off Todd Road as they are only a couple of hundred metres apart.

[ozbob]

http://scottemerson.com.au/media-releases/technology-to-tackle-train-crossing-safety.html

Technology to tackle train crossing safety

Friday, 22 June 2012 09:39

The Newman Government will tackle ongoing problems at railway level crossings with a mixture of innovation and awareness.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson called for expressions of interest for level crossing safety trials later this year as he launched Queensland Rail's confronting new level crossing safety campaign, titled "Crosses", in Brisbane this morning.

"We will provide up to $1 million for rail safety technology companies to conduct trials of their technology on the Queensland network. These trials will help us ensure we have the most advanced rail safety measures to reduce the number of tragedies and near-misses at level crossings," Mr Emerson said.

"As part of the LNP's election commitments we are already working with the Brisbane City Council to build flyovers at two of Brisbane's most notorious level crossings – Robinson Road, Geebung and Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge.

"Any level crossing collision can cause service disruptions, property damage, injury and, in the most tragic cases, fatalities."

Mr Emerson said several level crossing safety technology innovations were emerging to improve railway crossing safety including radio break-in systems, in-road lights, low cost active level crossing protection equipment and broader Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems.

A sea of 472 white crosses filled Post Office Square this morning as a stark reminder of the number of times people gambled with their lives by playing Russian roulette with trains at level crossings last year. 

Queensland Rail Acting Chief Executive Officer Jim Benstead said the campaign was a timely reminder to all motorists that pedestrian level crossings could be deadly. 

"Last year, there were 472 instances of a person nearly losing their life at a level crossing because they either did not wait for a few minutes for a train to pass or they were not paying attention to the signs and signals," Mr Benstead said.

"The difference between a near miss and fatality is luck and one day that luck will run out."

Queensland Rail today released shocking vision of the latest near miss with a vehicle at the Beaudesert Road level crossing, Salisbury, last Thursday.

"The train driver was forced to apply the emergency brakes after spotting a vehicle inside an activated level crossing. The train narrowly missed the car," Mr Benstead said.

"Boom gates, flashing lights and signage are there for a reason and that is to protect lives when a train is coming. The message is: don't gamble with your life at a level crossing."

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Police car, cane train in crash as State runs level-crossing safety campaign

Police car, cane train in crash as State runs level-crossing safety campaign

    by: Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    June 26, 2012 10:12AM

A POLICE car has collided with a cane train at a level crossing in central Queensland, just three days after the State Government launched a new level-crossing safety awareness campaign.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said the police car had been on patrol in the area when it crashed at the M McClures Road crossing at Mirani about 4pm yesterday.

The cane train sounded its horn as it approached the crossing and saw the police car but was unable to stop in time.

As a result, the train struck the rear of the police car, spinning it around and ripping off the spoiler.

Fortunately no one was hurt.

Although the level crossing is signed, it has no boom gates or lights.

The QPS spokeswoman said the sergeant driving the car was breathalysed and returned a negative result.

"A departmental investigation will take place into the circumstances around the cause of the crash,'' she said.

Robert Dow, from rail commuter advocacy group Back on Track, said the incident was unfortunate but served as a timely reminder to "exercise caution around level crossings''.

"I think there were some other circumstances given the weather wasn't the best but police always say the onus is on the driver to drive to the conditions,'' said Mr Dow.

"Cane trains are like a normal train - it's very difficult for them to stop. People need to be really vigilant.''

Queensland Rail recorded seven level crossing collisions on its network in 2011, and 199 incidents of vehicles almost being struck by trains.

Last Friday Transport Minister Scott Emerson launched a new campaign titled "crosses'' which included $1 million for rail safety companies to trial their technology at Queensland level crossings.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Truck hits gate at level crossing

[ozbob]

Twitter

QldFire ‏@QldFire

THALLON – train derailed. Grain train & truck have collided on Carnarvon Hway. Train leaking diesel. Multiple crews on scene. No injuries.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Courtsey from a mate. Plans for Geebung have been made public. Subject to change.

[colinw]

That overpass will presumably be designed to accommodate at least 4 tracks.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Yep. Designed for a future fourth track if one happens to go through.

[somebody]

That'll affect the 325.  You never know, it could be a positive effect.

Anything that reduces the possibility of a muppett running into a level crossing boom gate is something I'll endorse.

[colinw]

This looks like a very worthwhile project to me.

I'd like to order one of these for Boundary Road, Coopers Plains, and another for Warrigal Road, Runcorn.  As a side effect, the Warrigal Road one would make the 150 BUZ run somewhat better. It is quite common to see the 150 held at that Lx.

[red dragin]

Courtsey from a mate. Plans for Geebung have been made public. Subject to change.

The earlier design had the bridge being a turn left (when heading east). A much better idea.

[Stillwater]

I wonder what John Fraser thinks of the design?   

[#Metro]

Oh dear. They should have a bus station located above the rail station. Put bus stops on the bridge so that all you need to do is take a stairwell or lift straight down. Look at perth bus train interchanges - main road goes over the top of the rail station and bus stops there, passengers go straight down.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Oh dear. They should have a bus station located above the rail station. Put bus stops on the bridge so that all you need to do is take a stairwell or lift straight down. Look at perth bus train interchanges - main road goes over the top of the rail station and bus stops there, passengers go straight down.

I disagree with that. It would only be serviced by the hourly 325 bus. The same and better could be acheived by using the current bus stops on Railway Parade (already used by the 326/327/336/337 - http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/network-information/stops-and-stations/stop/010717 ) and extending the walkway to the carpark side along with the addition of lifts for DDA. They could also then combine the current RSL stop (325/326/327/336/337 - http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/network-information/stops-and-stations/stop/003440 ) and station stops into one stop.

EDIT: Added additional information below.

Red circles are current bus stops served in the area. Just before Thompson street there are currently already available cemented bus stops for the 326/327/336/337. If there is a quick buz extension between Geebung and the Aspley interchange (345)/Geebung and the Chermside interchange (325/333) there would be very little needed to the Geebung area for them to be implimented. The outbound stop opposite the station could moved towards the zebra crossing by turning Innes Street into a culdesac and using the street as a bus bay. It would also increase the spaces between stops for the 326/327/336/337 and make the interchange between the bus/train better.

[SurfRail]

Oh dear. They should have a bus station located above the rail station. Put bus stops on the bridge so that all you need to do is take a stairwell or lift straight down. Look at perth bus train interchanges - main road goes over the top of the rail station and bus stops there, passengers go straight down.

Those stations are built in freeway reserves and the road is already conveniently grade-sepped.  Geebung was always going to be a bit tight to do as a straight north-south job.

One place I do support this happening is Kingston - that should not be too difficult, and it might mean buses no longer have to do the lengthy detour to get into the station car park there. 

Altandi would also have been nice if the station was located closer to the Mains Road bridge, but I would want to spend as little money on this stretch as possible from now on - at least until we can put in the super-duper Fruitgrove-Pinelands-Coopers Plains tunnel alignment and close the current crap one.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail Quest click here!

Queensland Rail near miss figures show pedestrians and motorists across southeast dicing with death at level crossings

Queensland Rail near miss figures show pedestrians and motorists across southeast dicing with death at level crossings

    by: Jane Chudleigh, Ipswich News
    From: Quest Newspapers
    August 23, 2012 12:00AM

Shocking reports of near-misses at railway level crossings show drivers continue to dice with death across the Southeast.

From the start of January to June 30 this year there were 130 near misses, with level crossings in the Quest Newspapers readership area among the worst offending locations.

The Cleveland Line had the most incidents, with 37 near misses at its level crossings. Florence St in Wynnum Central had 14 incidents where trains came too close to vehicles or pedestrians.

But the worst spot for motorists and pedestrians gambling with their lives was Boundary Rd at Coopers Plains, with 15 near misses recorded in the six-month period.

Queensland Rail driver in charge Allan Roebig said that people did not realise when they make a conscious decision to trespass or break the law on a rail corridor, only luck determined what happened.

"In my position as driver in charge, I've seen firsthand what near misses do to a driver, and unfortunately I've also seen behaviour which has ended in tragedy,'' he said.

"Traincrew are not machines and can't turn their emotions on and off. There is nothing worse than seeing a workmate being traumatised by the foolish behaviour of someone who was trying to save a couple of minutes or take a shortcut.

"I've had mates never able to drive a train again - careers ended in a second because of poor decisions and actions, and people breaking the law.''

Penalties for ignoring level crossing protection include on the spot fines of $200 for pedestrians or $300, three demerit points and damages costs for motorists.

The top locations by train line for near miss incidents between 1 January and 30 June 2012, are as follows:

Beenleigh line: 35 total near misses

    15 at Boundary Rd, Coopers Plains
    5 at Old Beaudesert Rd, Salisbury
    3 at Nathan Rd, Runcorn
    3 at Oates Avenue, Woodridge
    3 at Spanns Rd, Holmview

Cleveland Line: 37 total near misses

    14 at Florence St, Wynnum Central
    8 at Cavendish Rd, Coorparoo
    6 at Queensport Rd, Murrarie
    4 at Kianawah Rd, Lindum
    3 at Barrack Rd, Cannon Hill

Shorncliffe Line: total 13 near misses

    5 at Adams St, Deagon
    2 at Curlew St, Sandgate
    2 at Kennerley St, Sandgate
    2 at Nudgee Station Pedestrian access, Nudgee

Ipswich Line: 10 total near misses

    5 at Wacol Station Rd,
    1 at Wulkuraka Station Pedestrian Access

Ferny Grove Line: 10 total near misses

    4 at Dawson Pde, Grovely
    3 at Keperra Station Pedestrian Access, Keperra

Caboolture/Sunshine Coast Line: 18 total near misses

    5 at Newman Rd, Geebung
    4 at Todds Rd, Lawnton
    3 at South Pine Rd, Strathpine

[Golliwog]

This looks like a very worthwhile project to me.

I'd like to order one of these for Boundary Road, Coopers Plains, and another for Warrigal Road, Runcorn.  As a side effect, the Warrigal Road one would make the 150 BUZ run somewhat better. It is quite common to see the 150 held at that Lx.

And one for South Pine Road at Alderley. Not only does the 345 get held up by the the LX, but I've also seen one of the 345's break the boom gates.

[somebody]

This looks like a very worthwhile project to me.

I'd like to order one of these for Boundary Road, Coopers Plains, and another for Warrigal Road, Runcorn.  As a side effect, the Warrigal Road one would make the 150 BUZ run somewhat better. It is quite common to see the 150 held at that Lx.

And one for South Pine Road at Alderley. Not only does the 345 get held up by the the LX, but I've also seen one of the 345's break the boom gates.

Which was pretty poor form for a professional driver.  I remember hearing about that.

[ozbob]

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media-releases/boom-gate-collisions-to-hit-back-pockets.html

Boom gate collisions to hit back pockets

Thursday, 23 August 2012 16:33

The Newman Government will step up efforts to target careless drivers who damage level crossing infrastructure in South East Queensland, and recover hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said Queensland Rail will pursue impatient or inattentive drivers if they crash into boom gates.

"Last Thursday trains on the Caboolture and Sunshine Coast lines were delayed for almost an hour after a truck struck boom gates at Newman Rd, Geebung just after 8am," Mr Emerson said.

"Other level crossing strikes this month have occurred in Helidon, Bowen and Barcaldine.

"There is the obvious danger of ignoring lowered boom gates but a collision with a boom gate also impacts on the lives of all of those travelling with us.

"It means we have to stop trains for the safety of our customers and road users, and services can only resume when police are on the scene and able to direct traffic safely.

"The government and Brisbane City Council are currently delivering an election commitment to build flyovers at Telegraph Rd, Bracken Ridge which had the most strikes last year and Newman Rd, Geebung which had a high number of near pedestrian misses."

In the 2011/12 financial year, Queensland Rail recorded 80 incidents where boom gates were struck by vehicles on the city network.

Queensland Rail has so far had 38 successful claims, recovering more than $200,000 since July 2010 but a further 63 claims will now be pursued.

According to Queensland Rail Acting Chief Executive Officer Jim Benstead, the repair bill for damage to boom gates, signalling equipment and fencing can often exceed $10,000.

"Queensland Rail is fed up with the costly damage to its property and has pursued drivers for the repair costs of infrastructure," Mr Benstead said.

"Motorists have been forced to pay damage bills that run into the thousands of dollars but in reality it could have been much worse – they could have been hit by a train.

"We ask that people obey the warning signs and signals and stop – this could save them not only money but also their life."

Top 10 Boom gate Collisions in 2011/2012 – City network

Level Crossing
   
Incidents

Telegraph Rd – Bracken Ridge 9

Arbor St – Ferny Grove 5

Beenleigh Rd – Kuraby 5

Nudgee Rd – Doomben 4

Boundary Rd – Coopers Plains 3

Dawson Pde – Grovely 3

Northgate Rd – Northgate 3

Newman Rd – Geebung 3

South Pine Rd – Alderley 3

Wacol Station Rd – Wacol 3

[Fares_Fair]

 

[HappyTrainGuy]

Courtsey from the same mate. Telegraph Road level crossing plans have been made public. Subject to change.

[#Metro]

In the 2011/12 financial year, Queensland Rail recorded 80 incidents where boom gates were struck by vehicles on the city network.

Queensland Rail has so far had 38 successful claims, recovering more than $200,000 since July 2010 but a further 63 claims will now be pursued.

According to Queensland Rail Acting Chief Executive Officer Jim Benstead, the repair bill for damage to boom gates, signalling equipment and fencing can often exceed $10,000.

It should be a fine that can be pursued through SPER and 3 demerit points

[Golliwog]

This looks like a very worthwhile project to me.

I'd like to order one of these for Boundary Road, Coopers Plains, and another for Warrigal Road, Runcorn.  As a side effect, the Warrigal Road one would make the 150 BUZ run somewhat better. It is quite common to see the 150 held at that Lx.

And one for South Pine Road at Alderley. Not only does the 345 get held up by the the LX, but I've also seen one of the 345's break the boom gates.

Which was pretty poor form for a professional driver.  I remember hearing about that.

That it was. The front of a 345 bus with the boom gate resting on the roof certainly wasn't what I was expecting to see when I looked out the train window as we passed through the crossing on my way to uni!

[ozbob]

Thanks HTG for the bridge plans.

[Gazza]

Not bad 

Level crossing grade separations are one road upgrade largely I can agree with....Allows higher rail frequency, and at the same time appeals to the hardcore revhead types, all at a cost much cheaper than a freeway.

[SurfRail]

Just think how many of these could have been done for the cost of Legacy Way.  And it's still road funding, so everybody wins...

[HappyTrainGuy]

Not sure how many people know about the other level crossing/overpass upgrades currently going on or being planned/considered on the NCL.

Francis Road overpass (betweeb Bray Park and Lawnton stations) - Under construction:


Morayfield Road overpass duplication works (south of Morayfield station) - Under construction:


Proposed Strathpine redevelopment, Moreton Bay Regional Council building/facilities upgrade and level crossing removal - Proposal:

Suggested Outcome - Rail
Rail infrastructure requirements initially identified in the area include:
Strathpine Station:
Requires 6 platforms with at least 2 longer platforms to • cater for longer trains.
Enhanced interchange between platforms•
6 tracks to South of Strathpine including option for 2 • tracks via the proposed NW rail corridor.
4 tracks to the North of Strathpine to cater for passenger • growth with provision for a potential 5th dedicated freight track.
See Attachment 1 which illustrates the indicative footprint of Strathpine Station that should be preserved to enable these future enhancements.
Bray Park Station:
Requires 4 platforms.•
Level Crossings:
All level crossings in the region will need to be • investigated and potentially eliminated (due to high sustained train frequency). This includes South Pine Road at Strathpine. An issue will be the long term suitability of the existing underpass in Mott Street as a result of its limited vertical clearance. Strathpine Station is currently located at the southern fringe of the business district, with no ability to extend the business district to the south due to the South Pine River flood plain. As Strathpine Station will require expansion to accommodate further tracks, investigations should be undertaken to develop these extensions to the North. This would allow the station to be located in a more central location North to maximise active transport accessibility to the business district, and provide a more effective bus rail interchange.

Suggested Outcome - Bus Network
To achieve the defined outcomes of the SEQ Regional Plan, future departmental policies anticipate the following:
Bus priority or other HOV facilities to be considered on • Railway Avenue.
The continuation of Bus services along Gympie Road.•
Local bus services using the interchange will need good • access to the interchange from Gympie Road and South Pine Road.
High frequency priority bus services that pass • through the transit interchange should not be delayed unnecessarily. The interchange needs to be designed to minimise dwell time and avoid conflicts with local services.

[ozbob]

From ABC News click here!

Queensland level crossing trials new warning system

Queensland level crossing trials new warning system
By Karen Hunt
Wednesday, 05/09/2012

Queensland Rail is trialling a new warning system to alert motorists when a train is approaching a rail crossing.

The valet system consists of lights embedded in the road for a distance of up to 150 metres before the crossing, which start flashing when the train is approaching, giving motorists more time to slow down and stop.

The three-month trial is at a level crossing between Ingham and Lucinda, in north Queensland, which is constantly used by cane and freight trains.

QR says it's drivers reported 472 near misses at rail crossings last year, making it clear existing systems were not working.

General manager customer service Michael Mitchell says drivers will be monitored to see if their behaviour changes because of the runway-type lighting system.

"There's the in road traffic monitoring, there's physical surveillance of the technology - it won't the flashing lights and boomgates, we're seeing it as an extra add-on to give a bit more awareness to motorists."

The crossing is at Bemerside.

[ozbob]

Channel 7

"Stopped in their tracks" railway fatalities report - 9/9/2012

Full information: click --> here!

[ozbob]

Hot topic ...

REPORT
St Vincents Road Open Level Crossing
Preliminary Investigation
Stage One Consultation
February 2008

--> http://www.northgateward.org/news/banyo%20rail%20consultation.pdf

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Driver seriously hurt after truck-train crash

Driver seriously hurt after truck-train crash
September 14, 2012 - 4:31PM
Marissa Calligeros

UPDATED

Northbound train commuters have been warned of lengthy delays this afternoon, as trains will not be running between Northgate and Shorncliffe stations due to this morning's level crossing crash.

A semi-trailer carrying a 38 tonne transformer was hit by a northbound train after it became stuck on the tracks at the level crossing at St Vincents Road in Banyo about 6.35am.

Translink has warned commuters of up to hour-long delays during this afternoon's peak hour, as a result of the track closure.
Advertisement

Commuters have been advised to seek alternative transport.

Potential bus services include routes 306 (from Brisbane City to Nudgee Beach), 310 (from Brisbane City to Brighton), 315 (from Brisbane City to Scarborough), 325 (from Chermside to Sandgate), 335 (from Brisbane City to Sandgate), and Toombul services 300, 301, 321 and 322.

Meanwhile, eastbound traffic on St Vincents Road is being diverted onto Royal Parade and westbound traffic is being diverted via Tufnell Road.

The truck driver, who became pinned between his trailer and a fence when the train hit, underwent emergency surgery for pelvic and leg injuries at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital this morning.

He was in a stable condition by 4pm, a hospital spokeswoman confirmed.

Police said the truck driver was frantically trying to jack up his semi-trailer when the northbound train, travelling from Brisbane to Shorncliffe, came bearing down on him.

A station guard was at the platform and tried to radio through a warning to the main control centre, Queensland Rail chief customer officer Martin Ryan revealed earlier today.

"We are still investigating all the processes that have occurred this morning and once we get all that data confirmed we will be able to release that,'' he said.

Mr Ryan believed the train driver saw the truck across the tracks as he rounded a bend towards Banyo station.

"The [train] driver has applied his emergency breaks, but unfortunately has hit the low-loader, causing significant damage to the train, the track and also the truck," he said.

The screech of emergency breaks and a blast of the train's horn alerted the truck driver, but it was a too late.

Unable to stop in time the train slammed into the semi-trailer, shunting it against another southbound train already stopped at Banyo station, where about 30 commuters were waiting.

Under the force of the collision the chains holding the transformer onto the trailer snapped and were later found hanging from a nearby tree.

The cabin became wedged against the station platform, smashing through a concrete pathway as it hit.

Part of the trailer became wedged between the two trains, while its cargo remained on the opposite tracks on the other side of the train.

''We understand that the trailer was stopped and the driver and another person ... were out of the vehicle," police Inspector Mark Laing told reporters at the scene.

''The preliminary inquiries would suggest the boom gates have actually come down on top of his truck.

''So there's certainly no suggestion at this point in time that he was trying to run around boom gates.

''I've been briefed that he was attempting to do what he could do to move the truck."

Paramedics assessed another 15 patients on scene, 14 of whom were on the train at the time of the incident and the train driver. No-one assessed on scene was reported to be injured, according to the Department of Community Safety.

Mr Ryan said the crash was "devastating for all Queensland Rail drivers, particularly the gentleman that was at the controls".

"He will have this image implanted in his head for many years. This is an unfortunate incident,'' he said.

"We implore motorists and pedestrians to please behave at level crossings; obey the law; do not push through gates; do not rush the boom gates; just drive at the speeds that are signed and also obey the road signals."

Mr Ryan said it was not clear whether the truck was authorised to use the level crossing.

"Investigations are continuing at the moment. Queensland Police are looking at the whole of the incident, including the use of the road, also the train actions and the actions of all of the people involved," Mr Ryan said.

The wreckage was not expected to be completely cleared until late this evening as extra precautions needed to be taken removing the transformer, which was understood to be filled with 5000 litres of oil, police said.

An Energex spokesman confirmed the privately-owned transformer was on its way to Energex's Banyo workshop for repairs.

Energex dispatched crews and heavy lifting equipment to help clear the tracks, but the spokesman said oil needed to be drained from the transformer before it could be removed.

Passengers and nearby residents described the scene earlier today.

Chris Hambling, 30, was a passenger in the front carriage of southbound train, which was stopped at the station.

He spotted a man moving across the tracks and heard him shouting, before screeching and scrapping sounds of "metal on metal''.

"It was over particularly quickly,'' he said.

"It was all fairly calm on our train. A few people shouted 'oh my God'.''

Local residents, including 54-year-old David Makeham, were woken by a loud screech and crunch this morning.

Mr Makeham was startled and yelled "holy hell, what's happened'', describing the sound as "really bad''.

"It was a funny noise,'' he said.

"There was screeching and a loud crunch. It was something, you don't really know what it is. It disturbs you.''

Local business owner Harry Gerolemou, 76, said he had been warning that this type of crash could happen for years.

"It's a dangerous intersection. I see people ignoring the flashing lights and boom gates at least 50 to 60 times a day,'' he said.

"I knew something like this was going to happen.''

Earlier today, the state government said it would not commit funding to safety improvements at the Banyo level crossing until an investigation by the Rail Safety Regulator was completed.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said if the investigation found something needed to be done immediately, "we'll look at it".

"It's important for us to give the Rail Safety Regulator and the Queensland Police Service the chance to do a proper investigation, but if they come forward and say something has to done in the short term, I'm going to be very keen to hear what they have to say," he said.

Brisbane City Council and the LNP state Government have agreed since April to jointly fund upgrades of two different rail crossings north of Brisbane.

These are the rail crossings at Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge and Robinson Road, Geebung.

The council for several years, while Campbell Newman was lord mayor, opened the door to fixing the rail crossing by offering to pay 50 per cent of the work, which was more than the council would normally provide.

But at the time, the previous Labor state government said it could not find any funding for the work until 2020.

In Tuesday's state budget, now-premier Mr Newman allocated $124 million to begin work on the Telegraph Road and Robinson Road crossings.

In the first six months of this year there were 213 incidents, including near-misses, reported at level crossings across Queensland.

In June, the Newman government launched a level crossing safety campaign titled "Crosses" and at the same time promised to provide $1 million for a successful tender to trial rail safety technology.

- addititional reporting Tony Moore.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/driver-seriously-hurt-after-trucktrain-crash-20120914-25vrw.html

[ozbob]

Poor choice of words there ...

... the train driver saw the truck across the tracks as he rounded a bend towards Banyo station ...

http://www.nearmap.com/?ll=-27.375069,153.077021&z=18&t=k&nmd=20120902

Straight line ...

[colinw]

On the way home from work today I saw two vehicles cross the Beenleigh Rd level crossing in the nick of time, just as the booms dropped.

One of them was a route 554 bus which, although the driver showed poor judgement and cut it fine, made it through Ok.  However, it was very closely followed by a car which must have almost had a boom gate strike. If the bus had slowed even slightly the car would have copped it.

A couple of minutes later another train came through as there was a queue of cars behind someone stopped to make a turn, and the boom barely missed the back of the last car in the queue.

In other words, a perfectly normal peak hour at Kuraby. I swear a lot of motorists think they are completely invulnerable, rather than (sort-of) controlling of the most dangerous mode of transport ever devised.

 

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Radio message from Banyo Train station to Queensland Rail's control room key to investigation of train and truck crash

Radio message from Banyo Train station to Queensland Rail's control room key to investigation of train and truck crash

    by: Rikki-Lee Arnold, Alison Sandy
    From: The Courier-Mail
    September 15, 2012 12:00AM

A RADIO message sent from Banyo train station to Queensland Rail's main control room will become the centre of a double investigation into what went wrong in Friday's train and truck crash on Brisbane's northside.

QR officials confirmed a staff member at Banyo tried to warn oncoming trains yesterday morning a semi-trailer had become stuck across the tracks on St Vincents Rd, but the driver of the ill-fated train did not receive the message.

The investigation will focus on how a train coming along a straight track in daylight could not stop in time to avoid hitting a stranded truck.

The crash between the semi-trailer and the Shorncliffe-bound train just before 6.30am resulted in the truck being ripped in two, its driver receiving severe leg and pelvic injuries, and morning and afternoon peak-hour services being suspended.

QR Chief Customer Officer Martin Ryan yesterday refused to comment on many aspects of the crash, including the speed of the train or how far away the train was before its emergency brakes were applied, but did confirm the radio call.

Mr Ryan recounted the train driver's initial report, despite many conflicts with police and witness accounts.

"A Shorncliffe train with 11 customers on board, a driver and a guard, has approached Banyo Station and as it has come around the bend has seen a low loader traversing St Vincents Rd crossing," Mr Ryan said.

"He applied the emergency brakes but unfortunately has hit the low loader and has caused significant damage to the train, the track and the truck."

Despite Mr Ryan's claim the train was coming around the bend, the train track runs straight for 1km between Bindha and Banyo stations.

Police Inspector Mark Laing also confirmed witness accounts the truck was stationary at the time of the crash and the truck driver was outside of the vehicle.

Banyo resident John Mahoney witnessed the breakdown of the truck and saw the truck driver, a Victorian, trying to fix the semi-trailer before the northbound train arrived.

"It came roaring in and just took out the semi," Mr Mahoney said. "We got off our train and all you could smell was the burn of the emergency brakes."

The truck driver is in a stable condition at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Questions over whether truck was allowed to use crossing

Questions over whether truck was allowed to use crossing
September 15, 2012 - 3:00AM Marissa Calligeros

It remains unclear whether a truck driver had a permit to travel across a level crossing where his vehicle became stuck and was hit by a train yesterday morning.

The semi-trailer, laden with a 38 tonne transformer, was hit by a northbound train after it became stuck on the tracks at the level crossing at St Vincents Road in Banyo about 6.35am.

The last of the wreckage was removed from the crossing nearly 12 hours later – just before 6pm – but the rail line remained closed well into the night because the tracks had buckled under the force of the crash.

It is necessary for some oversized vehicles, including those transporting transformers, to obtain a permit to cross railways, but Queensland Rail could not confirm yesterday whether the truck involved in yesterday's incident had the correct approvals.

"No overdimensional load permit was applied for, however, at this stage we cannot confirm if a permit was required for the vehicle in question," a QR spokeswoman said.

"These matters will form part of the investigation."

The truck driver, who became pinned between his trailer and a fence when the train hit, underwent emergency surgery for pelvic and leg injuries at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital yesterday.

There were reports the man had to have his leg amputated, but the hospital spokeswoman said that was not the case. She said the driver was in a stable condition by 4pm.

Police said the truck driver was frantically trying to jack up his semi-trailer when the northbound train, travelling from Brisbane to Shorncliffe, came bearing down on him.

A station guard was at the platform and tried to radio through a warning to the main control centre, Queensland Rail chief customer officer Martin Ryan revealed earlier today.

"We are still investigating all the processes that have occurred this morning and once we get all that data confirmed we will be able to release that," he said.

Mr Ryan believed the train driver saw the truck across the tracks as he rounded a bend towards Banyo station.

"The [train] driver has applied his emergency breaks, but unfortunately has hit the low-loader, causing significant damage to the train, the track and also the truck," he said.

The screech of emergency breaks and a blast of the train's horn alerted the truck driver, but it was a too late.

Unable to stop in time the train slammed into the semi-trailer, shunting it against another southbound train already stopped at Banyo station, where about 30 commuters were waiting.

Under the force of the collision the chains holding the transformer onto the trailer snapped and were later found hanging from a nearby tree.

The cabin became wedged against the station platform, smashing through concrete as it hit.

Part of the trailer became wedged between the two trains, while its cargo remained on the opposite tracks on the other side of the train.

"The preliminary inquiries would suggest the boom gates have actually come down on top of his truck," Inspector Mark Laing told reporters at the scene yesterday.

"So there's certainly no suggestion at this point in time that he was trying to run around boom gates."

Mr Ryan said it was not clear whether the truck was authorised to use the level crossing.

"Investigations are continuing at the moment. Queensland Police are looking at the whole of the incident, including the use of the road, also the train actions and the actions of all of the people involved," he said.

An Energex spokesman confirmed the privately-owned transformer was on its way to Energex's Banyo workshop for repairs.

The Victoria-based company Over Dimensional Transport refused to comment on the incident yesterday.

The state government said it would not commit funding to safety improvements at the Banyo level crossing until an investigation by the Rail Safety Regulator was completed, Transport Minister Scott Emerson said yesterday.

He said if the investigation found something needed to be done immediately, "we'll look at it".

"It's important for us to give the Rail Safety Regulator and the Queensland Police Service the chance to do a proper investigation, but if they come forward and say something has to done in the short term, I'm going to be very keen to hear what they have to say," he said.

Brisbane City Council and the state government have agreed since April to jointly fund upgrades of rail crossings at Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge and Robinson Road, Geebung.

The council for several years, while Premier Campbell Newman was lord mayor, opened the door to fixing the rail crossing by offering to pay 50 per cent of the work, which was more than the council would normally provide.

But at the time, the previous Labor state government said it could not find any funding for the work until 2020.

In Tuesday's state budget, now-premier Mr Newman allocated $124 million to begin work on the Telegraph Road and Robinson Road crossings.

In the first six months of this year there were 213 incidents, including near-misses, reported at level crossings across Queensland.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/questions-over-whether-truck-was-allowed-to-use-crossing-20120914-25xk6.html

[ozbob]

Interesting contrast between the Couriermail and Brisbanetimes in their reporting of the crash at Banyo.

The CM with its strong anti-rail bias on display for all.

The real issue is why an over-dimension load was following a path clearly not safe for that vehicle and load.  But don't you worry about that, lets just bash rail again.

Radio message may well have been communicated there was just not enough time I suggest.  Also vision of the crossing may have been impaired on approach from glare, and there is the issue of drivers experiencing vehicles regularly going across as they approach from Bindha as well.

This morning I was on the Ipswich Highway at the time of crash yesterday this morning travelling in the same general direction, the sun was blinding.

[colinw]

From the Couriermail click here!

Radio message from Banyo Train station to Queensland Rail's control room key to investigation of train and truck crash

...

"A Shorncliffe train with 11 customers on board, a driver and a guard, has approached Banyo Station and as it has come around the bend has seen a low loader traversing St Vincents Rd crossing," Mr Ryan said.

...

What bend?  Bindha to Banyo is dead straight.

[Derwan]

The real issue is why an over-dimension load was following a path clearly not safe for that vehicle and load.  But don't you worry about that, lets just bash rail again.

It was a Victorian transport company and the news reported that the truck driver was Victorian.  The load was on its way to the Energex workshop at Banyo.  Was the load itself from Victoria?

Pure speculation, but my guess would be that the truck has missed the exit at the Gateway Bridge to Southern Cross Way (the old Gateway Motorway), which would have allowed the driver to exit to Toombul Rd.  Failing to exit at Southern Cross Way meant that the driver could either exit to the Airport or Nudgee.  The driver has exited at Nudgee and headed towards Banyo instead of going over the overpass and returning to the highway (or heading down Nudgee Rd to Toombul Rd), which would have been safer routes.

[ozbob]

Channel Nine News have conducted an interview on level crossings including the one at Banyo this morning.

I stressed the need for adherence to road rules and safety commonsense.  I highlighted that fact there are around 54 open level crossings around Brisbane lines and they are not going to be grade-separated any time soon, other the planned overpasses at Geebung and Bald Hills.  I also mentioned a member's observations at Kuraby yesterday.  Despite the incident at Banyo yesterday morning, vehicle drivers, pedestrians and bicycle riders are still putting their own and others lives at risk.  There is a need for our community to face up to our real responsibilities, not only at level crossings but on the roads generally.  It is sickening ..

Some discussion about the upgrade options at Banyo as identified in the 2008 study.