Level crossings and Grade separation - level crossing removal

[red dragin]

South Pine Rd will be another interesting one on the Southern side of the crossing.

Permitting the new block of flats on the south east of the crossing was a mistake, although there is some set back allowed in the construction.

There appears to be plans for similar on the south western corner, with the plans noted the front area might be a road corridor.
https://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au/MasterViewUI/Modules/applicationmaster/default.aspx?page=wrapper&key=A004121682

The north western 'parkland' is Council owned 

[verbatim9]

What happened to the Coopers Plains grade seperation and there is another just South of Kuraby station? There was talk about these prior to the election.

[aldonius]

South Pine Rd is far easier than at Coopers Plains, except for that pesky block of flats.

For starters the cross streets are only one each side, and in the Railway Tce side it'd even be justifiable to make it left-in left-out. But the most important thing is that those intersections are 20-30m further from the LX than they are at Coopers Plains.

I neglected it in the diagram, but assume a road loop for local access on the southern side, much like at Enoggera. The Farrington St access to SPRd northbound is there mostly to keep traffic off Campbell Tce.

[red dragin]

The problem with the diagram, is that it built over the existing roadway and crossing.

You need to keep that all open during construction, so the overpass will need to be built to one side (most likely the western side).

[BrizCommuter]

South Pine Rd is far easier than at Coopers Plains, except for that pesky block of flats.

For starters the cross streets are only one each side, and in the Railway Tce side it'd even be justifiable to make it left-in left-out. But the most important thing is that those intersections are 20-30m further from the LX than they are at Coopers Plains.

I neglected it in the diagram, but assume a road loop for local access on the southern side, much like at Enoggera. The Farrington St access to SPRd northbound is there mostly to keep traffic off Campbell Tce.

I don't think there is enough distance between Railway Terrace and the train line to get enough height to cross the tracks, which would force it's closure. Railway Terrace is used as a right turn from South Pine Rd (southbound) to Samford Rd (westbound) by locals.

[aldonius]

red dragin: I'd do it by putting a temporary LX to the west.

BrizCommuter: maybe. I recall measuring 60-70 metres in Google Maps earlier today. OHL clearance would be about 6 metres or so, I think? And 1 in 10 is doable. Anyway, as I said, if the Alderley side streets are too close, well, the ones on the east side of the Coopers Rd LX are closer...

(Incidentally, disconnecting Orange Grove Rd from Boundary Rd west screws over the RBoT bus plan.)

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Newmarket level crossing needs safety upgrade as cars queue across the railway line

MOTORISTS are queuing across the Wilston Rd level crossing despite the danger of being stuck on the train line when the warning lights begin to flash, a resident warns.

Alexis Stockwell has called on the State Government and Brisbane City Council to prioritise fixing the inter­section.

Queensland Rail insisted the crossing met safety standards and did not answer questions on whether there were plans to upgrade it.

However, Councillor Andrew Wines (Enoggera) said it was "not really safe" and on Brisbane City Council's radar for an priority upgrade.

Ms Stockwell said when southbound motorists turn right into Murrell St there is not enough room for people to go around them.

"So they queue across the railway," she said.

Ms Stockwell's warning comes after another incident at the Newmarket ­Station boom gates on May 9 that delayed traffic for nearly an hour, although no-one was injured.

"It's just a very, very congested intersection ... You have a lot of pedestrians, it's about cars getting caught, cars panicking," she said.

"The boom strikes show it's getting worse there and it needs to be prioritised (for an upgrade)."

Cr Wines said where council and state assets intersected, the state had dominance.

He said a total fix would require the state to build an overpass, costing more than $100 million and involving mass property resumptions.

"To build a large scale rail overpass is a state government project but the organisation of the streets around it is council," he said.

"So, as council, we would deal with the symptoms not the cause."

Cr Wines said the Wilston Rd/Murrel St and Wilston Rd/Mina Pde intersections had been identified as one of five priority intersection projects in the Wilston Grange Precinct Transport Study.

He said the council's options were to close important neighbourhood roads or ban traffic movements.

"The answer is, quite simply, it's not easy," he said.

"People can be assured we're in this space, we know the problem. We're trying to think about how to do it without state support."

A Queensland Rail spokesman said the boom gate strike last Wednesday was a "stark reminder" for road users about safety at level crossings.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Lives placed at risk while political blame game continues over rail crossing solution


The intersection has cars coming from several different directions, sometimes confusing drivers.

LIVES are being placed in danger each day as the finger pointing among various levels of government continues over who will fix a Brisbane rail crossing.

Brisbane City Council Infrastructure Chairwoman Cr Amanda Cooper performed a half-hearted backflip on the Lindum rail crossing when she told the Wynnum Herald "the only holdup to this project is the State Government's lack of funding".

Her comments come six months after Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk stated the Lindum Rd crossing had been off the table for some time.

State ALP MP for Lytton Joan Pease and Councillor Peter Cumming (Wynnum Manly) have since fired back.

Federal LNP MP for Bonner Ross Vasta said he had discussed the issue with the council.

"Brisbane City Council has indicated they are very excited about doing something," Mr Vasta said.

"We all need to work together.

"I won't stop until this is fixed - you have my word on that."

Cr Cooper said the council was ready to support funding for the project.

"Open level crossings have always been State Government infrastructure and responsibility, however, council stands ready to support an upgrade at Lindum Rd with a 15 per cent contribution," Cr Cooper said.

However Cr Cumming said the comments were "disgusting" because they gave people "false hope".

"It would be good if it was true," Cr Cumming, who is the opposition leader within Brisbane City Council, said of Cr Cooper's comments.

"But they seem to be giving people false hope which is really inappropriate.

"If the Lord Mayor wants to say they've changed their mind then we need specific details.

"I'm happy to be part of a meeting to try to reach an agreement and have a look at some costs and designs.

"We need Cr Cooper and the Lord Mayor to come along and be part of that meeting.

"I've never seen any detailed designs or figures on what it might cost."

State ALP MP for Lytton Joan Pease looked in Brisbane City Council's direction.

"I would love to hear from the council," Ms Pease said.

"The important thing is that we finally find a solution for the community. I would certainly like for council to discuss it. I have put it forward to some of our ministers (in the State Government)."

Ms Pease said council had stalled since the state election.

"Campbell Newman first put this out there and council was prepared to split the cost when there was an LNP State Government."

Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher says a visit to the Lindum rail crossing earlier this month"left me in no doubt about the importance" of Ross Vasta's campaign to find a solution to concerns about the safety of the crossing.

Mr Vasta, the LNP MP for Bonner, started the campaign to have the intersection and crossing upgraded in October last year. Almost 5000 people signed the petition.

"Clearly we need to make decisions around the nation on projects and where money is spent but (visiting the intersection) is a very important step," Minister Fletcher said.

"We're not at a stage yet where we can talk about timing or decisions. But we will now discuss whether this project could be the subject of an application (for use of the new $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund)."

The crossing:

■ Both freight trains on the way to and from the Port of Brisbane and passenger trains travel on the line through the crossing

■ Traffic in both directions also crosses the railway line, while turns onto Lindum and Sibley roads also lead to impatience and risky manoeuvres from drivers due to traffic congestion

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

31st May 2018

27th April 2017 resent 5th May 2017 resent 31st May 2018

Level Crossings - frozen at the wheel

Good Morning,

It does seem that any moves to remove level crossings around the SEQ rail network have stalemated. No real surprise as most things in the public transport space have stalemated of late.

Nonetheless, it is worthwhile pointing out that there are considerable benefits in removing level crossings as was done for Geebung - Robinson Road (completed March 2014) and Telegraph Road Bracken Ridge (completed late 2014) open level crossings (1, 2), the last ones done in SEQ. Both these grade separation projects were the results of successful cooperation between the BCC and the then Newman State Government and putting the community first.

The SEQ Council of Mayors has these open level crossings as their top 5 priorities since 2015:

Boundary Road, Coopers Plains
Cavendish Road, Coorparoo
Beams Road, Carseldine
South Pine Road, Alderley
Wacol Station Road, Wacol

[ http://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/priority/open-level-crossing-elimination-program/ ]

To which we would like to add Warrigal Road, Fruitgrove.

Consideration should also be given to combining Cavendish Road, Coorparoo with Stanley Street East open level crossing replacement as a single project with an upgrade of Coorparoo railway station to include full height platforms.  As part of open level crossing elimination projects it is also logical where appropriate to improve railway stations for fully compliant station access under DDA.
[ Station access guide > http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/forcustomers/access/station-access-guide ]

As traffic and train congestion builds the replacement of level crossings becomes very important to maintain better and safer traffic flows (vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian) and more frequent safer rail services. There are around 50 level crossings on the suburban rail network in SEQ ( Level crossing list > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6859.msg71068#msg71068 ).

Victoria is presently removing 50 dangerous and congested level crossings ( see http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/ ).

In Queensland we are ' frozen at the wheel '.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

References:

1. Geebung rail overpass almost ready for traffic
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/geebung-rail-overpass-almost-ready-for-traffic-20140312-34mwy.html

2. New road overpass to open at Bracken Ridge
http://www.grahamquirk.com.au/new-road-overpass-to-open-at-bracken-ridge/

Footnote:  There is an article in today's press (31st May 2018) re the Lindum level crossing. Couriermail Quest --> Lives placed at risk while political blame game continues over railcrossing solution  What hope when it does not even appear on the priority list of the SEQ Council of Mayors http://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/priority/open-level-crossing-elimination-program/

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1001859982403420161

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1002019306828320768

[#Metro]

We need a game changer on rail:

- No new level crossings to be created on the QR passenger network
- Any time a station is refurbished, platforms must be raised to full height (e.g. ban humping).

[tazzer9]

I thought there was already an unofficial rule not to make any new LX's.  The only LX that has been created in the last 20 years to my knowledge is the one just north of caboolture, which was already there anyway.  They just redid it when they upgraded the line.

[SurfRail]

Open LXs aren't built anywhere on the metropolitan system anymore.

The only recent crossing I can recall being built is just past the southern end of Bethania, which is behind a locked gate and only for use in case of emergencies.  The Salisbury LX should be closed like this too in my view - there is already an overpass there FFS.

So many LXs could just be closed and not replaced.

[ozbob]

Last election campaign the ALP made a committment for a business case for Coopers Plains LX removal I expect there might be something for that in the budget.  Been around 6 years now since any  grade separations were seriously planned and commenced.

The ALP State Govt vs the LNP BCC doesn't help.   They need to get over the politics and get something done. 

They can look at Victoria for inspiration ...   

[ozbob]

Might have to RTI this one ..

Prioritisation of 21 Open Level Crossings Eliminations in South East Queensland

2011

> https://ninesquared.com.au/prioritisation-open-level-crossings-south-east-queensland/

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1002385600442351616

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Call for removal of Brisbane's five worst railway crossings

CRITICAL safety concerns at deadly railway crossings should be a State Government priority according to a public transport advocacy group lobbying for their removal.

Rail Back On Track co-ordinator Robert Dow said pedestrians, motorist and cyclists continued to dice with death, crossing rail lines in southeast Queensland.

Last year, southeast Queensland railway crossings accounted for 95 of the state's 197 "crossing near misses" with cars, pedestrians and cyclists.

Mr Dow said overpasses would improve safety and allow trains to run at greater frequencies.

"Level crossings are a massive issues for people on mobility scooters in particular," he said.

"Very often they can get stuck on railway tracks.

"We've got to bite the bullet and get rid of them now, because traffic is just becoming unmanageable across Brisbane."

Mr Dow said five crossings at Wacol, Alderley, Coopers Plains, Coorparoo and Carseldine should be the first to go.

Speaking to the South-West Satellite, he said the Wacol Station Rd crossing was particularly unsafe.

Elsie Sweatman, 86, and Lois Hallam, 69, died instantly when the vehicle in which they were back seat passengers collided with a goods train at the crossing in 1998.


Wreckage at the 1998 train and car collision that killed two women in Wacol. IMAGE: Steve Pohlner

They were on their way to a bowls competition in Goodna when the car stopped on the railway line.

At the time, State Member for Inala Henry Palaszczuk said he would lobby the new Transport Minister to have the intersection upgraded.

Traffic lights had since been installed but the crossing still featured regularly as a near-miss hotspot.

"It's a complicated level crossing with two pairs of double tracks — one pair in constant use as the main Ipswich rail line, the other two servicing freight trains," Mr Dow said.

The South East Queensland Council of Mayors listed the same five railway crossings as priorities for a proposed 'Open Level Crossing Elimination Program' in 2015.

But Mr Dow said the local and state governments had been "frozen at the wheel" since.

Brisbane City Council Chairman for Infrastructure Amanda Cooper said rail infrastructure has always been the responsibility of the State Government which she said had indicated "rail crossing replacements were not a priority".

"Rail replacements have traditionally always been funded with a 15 per cent contribution from Brisbane City Council and there are no plans to increase this funding for State Government infrastructure projects," Cr Cooper said.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport and Main Roads said the State Government was getting on with a business case for an overpass on Boundary Road for the Coopers Plains level crossing and funding for a feasibility study for an overpass at Beams Road (Carseldine level crossing).

"We are keen to work with Brisbane City Council on funding these important projects on a continued 50:50 basis, but they need to support motorists and come to the table with their fair share of the funding," she said.

[ozbob]

Might have to RTI this one ..

Prioritisation of 21 Open Level Crossings Eliminations in South East Queensland

2011

> https://ninesquared.com.au/prioritisation-open-level-crossings-south-east-queensland/

As a first step in attempting to obtain a copy of this report I have emailed TMR RTI advisor.

To wit:

Dear xxxx,

We are interested in obtaining a copy of the report listed below if possible.

I am not sure if such a report would be freely available or it would require an RTI application.

Details:  Prioritisation of 21 Open Level Crossings Eliminations in South East Queensland

Date: 2011

Was prepared by NineSquared for Client: Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland Government.

I found this web reference:  https://ninesquared.com.au/prioritisation-open-level-crossings-south-east-queensland/

I have searched extensively on the TMR web site and Queensland Parliament Tabled Papers with no success.

Thank you for any advice.

Best wishes,

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

^ I have been advised it is necessary to RTI the above report.

Today I have submitted an RTI application for the report.   

(Although we have a waiver for processing & access charges we are still liable for the application fee of $48.  I am saving up my pennies.   )

[ozbob]

Contrast the stalemate in banana-land with this ..

https://twitter.com/JacintaAllanMP/status/1004618722634432512

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1006738387397537792

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> A timber overpass could be the wildcard solution to the notorious Lindum rail crossing

A WILDCARD has emerged from the pack in the search for a solution to a notorious Brisbane rail crossing.

Timber Queensland chief executive Mick Stephens has been in discussions with federal LNP MP for Bonner Ross Vasta about the prospect of a timber bridge for traffic over the railway line through the Lindum rail crossing at Wynnum West in Brisbane's east.

Mr Stephens said the use of timber for major construction projects was becoming increasingly common.

He cited Lendlease's nine-storey development in the RNA Showgrounds redevelopment, which will be Australia's largest timber building when it is completed, as an example.

Mr Vasta said the timber solution carried many benefits but biggest of them all would be the potential for the bridge to become a blueprint for the rest of Brisbane.

He believed the structure could become "iconic" for other similar projects.

"There is a whole lot of innovation in the timber industry where it can replace steel and concrete construction," Mr Stephens said.

"We're actively talking with the state and local governments.

"It can be cheaper and a faster build. It can also be done prefabrication where some of the parts are fitted together before the site and then you finish it off at the site."

Mr Stephens lives on the bayside and echoed Mr Vasta's sentiment about the structure being iconic.

"As a Lota resident I'm certainly keen to find a solution to the crossing and being a local, I would be very happy to see a timber structure built and become an icon for other developments in Brisbane," he said.

"Structurally, it's just as strong as steel and concrete, and the studies have shown it to be as firesafe as other constructions."

Federal LNP MP for Bonner Ross Vasta has been fighting for a "fix" to the Lindum rail crossing since he started a campaign in October last year.

He said there was no guarantee the timber structure would be the way forward but labelled the prospect "exciting".

"I'm fighting hard to secure government funding for a business case into the Lindum Station Crossing," Mr Vasta said.

"The potential fix that Mick has presented to me is exciting but would have to await the outcome of such a business case."

[CamPT]

What's the word on upgrading these level crossings? Robinson Road and Telegraph Road are great now. Time for Beams Road, Newmarket Road, and others to follow? If Brisbane wants to be seen as 'World City' this needs to be done.

[Cazza]

Hey Cam!

I'm not sure if you've had a look through the forum but there is a big push for the removal of crossings. My opinion is (obviously) that they should be gone. However, funding should be prioritised and put towards "fixing the trains" (thanks Ms Trad, it's pretty catchy) before crossing removal.

Here's some links to stuff around crossings that you might find interesting.
Level Crossing List (SEQ): https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6859.0
Wacol Station Rd Crossing: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1733.0
Melbourne: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11281.0

This thread also has some stuff too.

And, a friendly reminder of safety around crossings

[ozbob]

What's the word on upgrading these level crossings? Robinson Road and Telegraph Road are great now. Time for Beams Road, Newmarket Road, and others to follow? If Brisbane wants to be seen as 'World City' this needs to be done.

Welcome CamPT !



You found the older thread, thanks!  I have merged into one thread for ease of review etc.

You are correct, level crossing removal needs to re-commence.  We have and will continue to put a lot of advocacy effort into getting some removals underway.  I understand a business case is in preparation for the level crossing removal at Coopers Plains, but a lot more need to done.  The sooner the better.

[ozbob]

^ I have been advised it is necessary to RTI the above report.

Today I have submitted an RTI application for the report.   

(Although we have a waiver for processing & access charges we are still liable for the application fee of $48.  I am saving up my pennies.   )

From Hansard Estimates - Transport and Main Roads (Proof)

> https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2018/2018_07_27_EstimatesTPC.pdf

... Mr MINNIKIN: Again to the director-general, has any modelling been done on the traffic impacts
from the additional Cross River Rail train services on level crossings, and what would be the cost to
remove the impact on crossings?

Mr Scales: This refers back to Cross River Rail. I am a member of that board, but I ask for
guidance because that is under the control of the Deputy Premier. To help the member, we have
actually done some modelling on the removal of various level crossings and what the impact would be
of the boom gates coming down. That depends on timings, it depends on the delivery of Cross River
Rail itself as a project and it depends on—to the earlier question—patronage and capacity.
We have done some modelling. A report carried out in 2012 by Deloitte Access Economics
looked at various level crossings and when they will be taken out. The member is correct in his line of
questioning inasmuch as it depends on the capacity of the system and the patronage. These are very
complicated matters and casting forward would depend on a number of variables.  ...

The report mentioned by Mr Scales is the subject of our RTI application ...

[ozbob]

^ I have been advised it is necessary to RTI the above report.

Today I have submitted an RTI application for the report.   

(Although we have a waiver for processing & access charges we are still liable for the application fee of $48.  I am saving up my pennies.   )

RTI Application has been successful.

Department of Transport and Main Roads
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Open Level
Crossing Elimination
Final Report
11 July 2012
135-05823 Release docs.pdf - Page Numbers: 1 to 85

> https://backontrack.org/docs/LX/LXreport.pdf 5MB

[ozbob]

Interesting table.  Note 2012 document, Telegraph Road, Bald Hills (HIGH)  & Robinson Road Geebung (LOW) have been removed.  Last grade separations on the SEQ rail network since 2014.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1024407967796408320

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

5th Auguest 2018

SEQ Open Level Crossings and Grade Separation

Good Morning,

It does seem that any moves to remove level crossings around the SEQ rail network have largely stalemated. No real surprise as most things in the public transport space have stalemated of late.

Nonetheless, it is worthwhile pointing out that there are considerable benefits in removing level crossings as was done for Geebung - Robinson Road (completed March 2014) and Telegraph Road Bracken Ridge (completed late 2014) open level crossings (1, 2), the last ones done in SEQ (3). Both these grade separation projects were the results of successful cooperation between the BCC and the then Newman State Government and putting the community first.

The SEQ Council of Mayors has had these open level crossings as their top 5 elimination priorities since 2015:

Boundary Road, Coopers Plains
Cavendish Road, Coorparoo
Beams Road, Carseldine
South Pine Road, Alderley
Wacol Station Road, Wacol

[ http://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/priority/open-level-crossing-elimination-program/ ]

RAIL Back On Track recently made a successful RTI application for a report titled ' Cost-Benefit Analysis of Open Level Crossing Elimination 11 July 2012 ' A copy of which may be accessed here > https://backontrack.org/docs/LX/LXreport.pdf




Interesting table from the report. Note 2012 document, Telegraph Road, Bald Hills (HIGH) & Robinson Road Geebung (LOW) have now been removed, the last grade separations on the SEQ rail network since 2014.

The 2012 report aligns with the recommendations from the SEQ Council of Mayors. So clearly these are the urgent priorities for grade separation. We understand that a business case has been started for the grade separation at Boundary Road, Coopers Plains. But more must be done. The Andrews Labor Government in Victoria made a commitment to remove FIFTY level crossings during their term of Government. They are well on the way, having completed 26 with more work underway to remove more ( https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/ ).

What do you think are the priorities for open level crossing elimination in SEQ?

Best wishes,

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

1. Geebung rail overpass almost ready for traffic
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/geebung-rail-overpass-almost-ready-for-traffic-20140312-34mwy.html

2. New road overpass to open at Bracken Ridge
http://www.grahamquirk.com.au/new-road-overpass-to-open-at-bracken-ridge/

3. Benefits to non-motorists from level crossing removals
https://www.danielbowen.com/2015/12/15/grade-separation-benefits/

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1025856839655673856

[#Metro]

I wonder if the reason why the BCRs are so low on many projects is that the train frequency in the off peak is also low, that in turn being a byproduct of BCC not feeding buses to trains.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1025884410803961856

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1025973461263372289

[achiruel]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1024407967796408320

I'm interested in how the report concluded that Warrigal Rd, Runcorn was low priority. From personal observation, it seems to be far more congested than Beenleigh Rd, Kuraby.

[ozbob]

...
I'm interested in how the report concluded that Warrigal Rd, Runcorn was low priority. From personal observation, it seems to be far more congested than Beenleigh Rd, Kuraby.

If you have a look at  Table 5: Multi-criteria Analysis and Relative Priority Ranking of Sites in the report it shows all the items used to rank.

Looking at the table I would have expected medium priority.   Maybe if the same exercise was done today, it might rank a bit higher.

[ozbob]

Facebook is going off !

> https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2170864172927758

[ozbob]

Both SA and WA are approaching level crossing removal seriously.  Queensland not so much ..

Victoria is of course presently in LX removal overdrive https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/

SA. Safer Level Crossings https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/towardszerotogether/safer_level_crossings/railway_crossing_safety_improvement_program 20 priority level crossings have also been identified that should be removed and replaced with underpasses or overpasses. First of these is the Oaklands Crossing https://www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au/major_public_transport_projects2/oaklands_crossing

WA is into level crossing removal. ( There are 52 level crossings on the SEQ rail network south of Caboolture. ) http://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/proj.../level-crossing-removal " Level Crossing Removal

There are 31 vehicle level-crossings on the Transperth network. There has been a policy in place for more than a decade not to increase the net number of crossings.

Removing level crossings along the Midland and Armadale lines has significant community benefits from making it safer for people and vehicles to travel in the area to revitalising local communities with improved land use planning. The first four level crossings to be removed as part of METRONET are Denny Avenue (Kelmscott), Caledonian Avenue (Maylands), Oats Street (Carlisle) and Wharf Street (Cannington). The first level crossing to go will be Denny Avenue.

There are a number of ways to remove a level crossing. These include elevating or sinking the rail; elevating or sinking the road, a combination of both or closing the crossing. "

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1026203765135695874

[achiruel]

...
I'm interested in how the report concluded that Warrigal Rd, Runcorn was low priority. From personal observation, it seems to be far more congested than Beenleigh Rd, Kuraby.

If you have a look at  Table 5: Multi-criteria Analysis and Relative Priority Ranking of Sites in the report it shows all the items used to rank.

Looking at the table I would have expected medium priority.   Maybe if the same exercise was done today, it might rank a bit higher.

I suspect the reason for Beenleigh Rd being higher was the number of boom gate strikes (20 vs 6 at Warrigal Rd). I'm not sure why this would be the case, though. Perhaps because entry to Warrigal Rd is via a controlled intersection whereas Kuraby is simply a continuation of Beenleigh Rd?

Edit: Warrigal Rd is also used by numerous bus routes (150 BUZ, 155, 156, P157) at quite high frequency, whereas Beenleigh Rd has only the comparatively low-frequency 554. I wonder if the expense to TfB in having these buses held up by LX is considered in the cost savings at all? It doesn't seem to be.