Level crossings and Grade separation - level crossing removal

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/1027705808711114753

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1027697941568352256

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1027707820983037952

[ozbob]

HEAVY METAL STOPS FOR NO ONE

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Customers/Pages/Heavy-metal.aspx

Ahead of Rail Safety Week 2018 (13-19 August), Queensland Rail has launched a 'rocking' new campaign, warning of the dangers of disobeying level crossing signs and signals and stressing that 'heavy metal stops for no one'.





https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1027712853862539264

[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]

 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/1027808560233598976

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> CCTV footage shows Queensland Rail level crossing near-misses

AN ALARMING number of motorists narrowly missed colliding with Queensland trains during 2017-18, with the State Government recording a 33 per cent increase in near misses.

New figures released today reveal 248 motorists experienced a near miss between their vehicle or themselves and a train as a result of disobeying warning signs.

This is up from 127 incidents the previous financial year.

Ahead of Rail Safety Week next week, Transport Minister Mark Bailey and Queensland Rail today launched a new level crossing safety campaign called "Heavy metal stops for no one", to remind Queenslanders of the risk they face when ignoring the warnings.

It comes less than a month after former member for Bundaberg Leanne Donaldson collided with a cane train near the city.

Ms Donaldson is still recovering in hospital.

Mr Bailey said while the $100,000 campaign had nothing to do with Ms Donaldson's accident, it did reiterate the importance of safety.

"This was being planned a long time before that (accident) but it does reiterate the point of safety and obviously with Leanne she's very lucky to be here with us," he said.

"Leanne I'm sure would be very supportive of this campaign."

Mr Bailey said the "Heavy metal stops for no one" campaign aimed to drive home the message that trains were juggernauts that travelled at speed.

Peter Cohen, who has been a train driver for almost 20 years, said more trains were running than ever before.

"Once you're in the road of us the train can't stop in time," he said.

"The only thing that the train can do is go through you.

"The drivers will never ever forget it, it's an emotional thing."

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

11th August 2018

Heavy metal can crush ...

Good Morning,

Well done Queensland Rail on the launch of the ' HEAVY METAL STOPS FOR NO ONE Level Crossing Safety campaign.
https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Customers/Pages/Heavy-metal.aspx

" Ahead of Rail Safety Week 2018 (13-19 August), Queensland Rail has launched a 'rocking' new campaign, warning of the dangers of disobeying level crossing signs and signals and stressing that 'heavy metal stops for no one. "

It is very concerning that during 2017-18 there was an increase in level crossing near misses, 248 incidents up from 187 the previous year.  Bridge strikes have also increased from 58 in 2016-17 to 107 in 2017-18, an 86% increase ( https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/aboutus/ourperformance/safety-and-security )!.  There does seem to be a worrying attitude with vehicle operators of risk taking and dumb ignorance increasing.  So the Heavy Metal campaign is important, attention needs to be given to preventing bridge strikes as well.

With level crossings the best solution in the end is removal.  There are some priority level crossings in SEQ that should be removed, not only for safety reasons but also for congestion mitigation.  We agree with the SEQ Council of Mayors with their priorities (see below).  Feedback on our Facebook post SEQ Open Level Crossings and Grade Separation ( https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2170864172927758 ), also supports this priority.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

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/1027955156204191744

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1028078828650807296

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1027955756799221760

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/8/10/heavy-metal-stops-for-noone--qr-launches-level-crossing-safety-campaign

Media Statements
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Friday, August 10, 2018

Heavy Metal stops for no-one - QR launches level crossing safety campaign

The Palaszczuk Government is onboard with Queensland Rail's new level crossing safety campaign, 'heavy metal stops for no one'.

Its purpose is to capture the attention of road users and drive down the rate of level crossing infringements across the state, and uses a heavy metal rock band to represent the impact of an oncoming train.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the launch of the new campaign followed a 33 per cent increase in the number of 'near miss' incidents reported at Queensland Rail level crossings in the 2017-18 financial year.

"Last year, an alarming 248 road users were reported experiencing a near miss between their vehicle or themselves and a train at Queensland Rail level crossings as a result of disobeying warning signs and signals," Mr Bailey said.

"This is in addition to 127 incidents last financial year, when road users collided with level crossing infrastructure in place for their protection, such as boom gates.

"Our new campaign will be aiming to capture the attention of Queensland road users and drive home the message that trains are heavy metal juggernauts that travel at speed and cannot stop in a hurry for anyone.

"Obeying the signs and signals at level crossings isn't optional, and making a dash across the tracks to save yourself a few minutes isn't worth the risk of losing your life."

Mr Bailey said Queensland Rail's new campaign would feature artwork of a 1980s heavy metal band representing a heavy, fast and loud oncoming train.

"The campaign involves a heavy metal rock band approaching road users who are disobeying the signs and signals at a level crossing and shocking them with a heavy metal song featuring Queensland Rail's safety messages," Minister Bailey said.

"Ultimately, we want to see the number of near hits at level crossings reduced to zero, and this campaign will be aiming to capture the attention of Queensland road users and encourage them to rethink their behaviour next time they're at a level crossing.

"The campaign will be the feature of Queensland Rail's pavilion at this year's EKKA, fit with heavy metal face painting, temporary tattoos, and a rock star karaoke competition, in a bid to engage the more than 400,000 people expected to walk through the event's gates in 2018.

"The campaign will also be rolled out to train stations, road-side billboards, and social media as part of Rail Safety Week, and will continue through Queensland Rail's ongoing rail safety education program which engaged more than 37,000 students last financial year."

For more information on Queensland Rail's 'heavy metal' campaign and safety at level crossings visit: www.queenslandrail.com.au/heavymetal (external site)

Rail Safety Week runs from 13-19 August 2018: https://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-safety-week/ (external site)

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1028079322140004352

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1028380836054196224

[ozbob]

Brisbane rail crossing is a 'tragedy waiting to happen'

https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/brisbane-rail-crossing-is-a-tragedy-waiting-to-happen/news-story/8caca2e574a5d793f77e0101abf08f50

MOTORISTS hate it with a passion.

The local school principal worries someone is going to get killed.

Even politicians in opposing camps agree something urgently needs to be done.

But it seems it will take more than fear and good intentions to bring an end to the motoring misery that is the Lindum rail crossing.

The crossing next to Lindum Railway Station is the point where trains on the busy Cleveland line quite literally cross paths with peak hour commuters, trucks, school buses and parents dropping their children off at nearby Iona College.

But it seems even the Federal Government's new $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund won't be enough to solve what Federal MP Ross Vasta describes as "a fatality waiting to happen".

This morning, the LNP Member for Bonner took Alan Tudge, the Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, to see the crossing first-hand during peak hour.

Despite it being quieter than normal because of the school holidays, Mr Tudge said it was clear the site was in desperate need of redevelopment.

"You can immediately see the complexity of it, the danger of it when people don't quite know who has to give way and also the fact you have both residential and freight traffic all coming together in the one crossing," he said.

"It's an accident waiting to happen and it does need to be fixed.

"It's not an easy one to fix. It will be expensive but it does have to be done and we are certainly going to be having a close look at it."

"This is a classic congestion pinch point — there's freight rail, freight trucks plus you've got residential traffic, the school up the road, all coming together in the one location.

"But typically most of the projects the Urban Congestion Fund will be funding will be more in the $5 million to $10 million range whereas this is more likely to be a couple of hundred million dollars to fix.

"... we have got to be thinking about projects right across the country."

Mr Tudge said the crossing would be on the agenda for a meeting with Brisbane City Council officials but the State Government also needed to "step up".

"We are trying to help to fix this problem but the State Government owns this station, they own the railway lines, they own the port ... they have to step up to the plate and make it easier for us to contribute."

Mr Tudge was the second Urban Infrastructure Minister to visit the crossing in six months after his predecessor, Paul Fletcher, inspected it in May.

Mr Vasta, whose petition to get the crossing fixed has amassed more than 5000 signatures, said a lot had been achieved since that visit.

"Every day we get closer to fixing this," he said.

"It is on peoples' minds and the public are demanding the levels of government work together because, as the Minister has quite rightly said, it's a fatality waiting to happen.

"We don't want to be fixing this after that fatality happens. We want to fix it now."

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease was contacted for comment but was in meetings all morning.

Her office has promised to provide information on the State Government's position on the crossing later today.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> State government washes its hands of dangerous rail crossing

THE State Government has washed its hands of the notorious Lindum rail crossing, saying it will only get involved in redeveloping the dangerous site once the Federal Government and Brisbane City Council have worked out a funding plan.

The sidestep came on a day Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, admitted funding a redevelopment of the dangerous crossing was too big for the $1 billion Federal Urban Congestion Fund to handle on its own.

During an inspection of the crossing with Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta, Mr Tudge called on the State Government to "step up to the plate" on the problem.

The rail crossing, next to Lindum Railway Station, has been the site of many near misses as trains on the busy Cleveland line cross paths with peak hour commuters, trucks, school buses and parents dropping their children off at nearby Iona College.

Suggested solutions have included an overpass or a tunnel, either of which would cost tens of millions of dollars.

"We are trying to help to fix this problem but the State Government owns this station, they own the railway lines, they own the port ... they have to step up to the plate and make it easier for us to contribute," Mr Tudge said.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey clearly wasn't impressed by the statements, hitting back with an ultimatum.

"As Mr Vasta well knows, the roads surrounding the Lindum level crossing are Brisbane City Council roads, so the LNP council would need to commit to improvements such as an overpass," Mr Bailey said.

"If Mr Tudge is serious, he and council will come to an agreement during their meeting to fund the project with federal and city council allocations on prioritising the Lindum rail crossing upgrade.

Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey says the State Government will only get involved in the Lindum rail crossing redevelopment once the Federal Government and Brisbane City Council have worked out a funding solution.

"That would be a start to address this issue which Mr Vasta has ignored for so long. I'm happy to sit down when he and the council brings actual funding to the table."

Mr Bailey also attacked Mr Vasta, claiming his long-term campaign to fix the crossing was nothing more than an admission he had achieved nothing in his 11 years in Canberra.

"A crossing overpass project at Lindum will cost hundreds of millions of dollars and to happen needs all levels of government working together, not finger pointing and petty politicking," he said.

"Ross Vasta has had four terms in office over 11 years in Canberra to act and obtain federal funding and now on the eve of a federal election he's admitted to achieving nothing to date.

"Mr Vasta has never raised with me this issue in the three and a half years I've been a State Minister."

Zero level crossing removals in SEQ.  Not hard to work out why, fuked polyticks!

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Vasta calls for meeting on dangerous rail crossing

MEMBER for Bonner Ross Vasta will attempt to broker a peace deal over the notorious Lindum rail crossing after the debate over its redevelopment became bogged down in bickering.

Mr Vasta, an LNP politician, rates the crossing's redevelopment as his No. 1 infrastructure priority.

It became a hot political issue last week after Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, joined him for an inspection of the site and called on the State Labor Government to "step up to the plate".

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey bought into the debate, saying the state would only get involved in redeveloping the dangerous site once the Federal Government and Brisbane City Council had worked out a funding plan.

The rail crossing, next to Lindum Railway Station, has been the site of many near misses as trains on the busy Cleveland line cross paths with peak hour commuters, trucks, school buses and parents dropping their children off at nearby Iona College.

Suggested solutions have included an overpass or a tunnel, costing tens of millions of dollars.

The war of words saw Mr Bailey claim Mr Vasta's campaign was driven by an impending election.

Mr Vasta has now issued a statement saying he was saddened by Mr Bailey's attitude.

" ... I know that the only way we will get this sorted out is by working together collaboratively, that's why I've taken the initiative and approached the local State Member Joan Pease to organise a meeting," he said.

Ms Pease's office confirmed the offer had been received.

[#Metro]

What are the circumstances that warrant Federal involvement?

[SurfRail]

The railway line to the port is considered part of the national network.

[HappyTrainGuy]

It's also part of the artc network via cofunding.

[SurfRail]

Albeit the standard gauge components don't get very much use

[Cazza]

I think the real question we should be asking here is why the Lindum crossing before others?

There are more dangerous crossings out there that should be prioritised and go first, not one that happens to fall under your electorate.

Yes, I agree that it is dangerous and confusing for motorists, however, it shouldn't be the first one to get funding.

[achiruel]

Perhaps the local MP is actually doing his job and representing the needs of his local electorate? I mean isn't that why we have local MPs, so that she or he can do their best job to represent the needs and local issues of their electorate to Parliament? At least that's what I get told when I ask people why we don't have some form of PR in Australia.

[#Metro]

There are more dangerous crossings out there that should be prioritised and go first, not one that happens to fall under your electorate.

The criteria that is used to priority order crossings is subjective, so it comes down to how the decision makers want to prioritise. There are many ways to do it:

- Dangerousness
- Cost/Benefit ratio
- Marginal seat status
- Do all the crossings in an area/on the same line
- Do crossing that gets the funding easiest (BCC plays a role here)
- Do crossing that is the easiest to do from an engineering perspective

The QR network is a legacy network, a lot needs to be done to bring it up to modern standards.

[Cazza]

I agree on those criteria but shouldn't safety be paramount?

Removing the most dangerous crossing or the one having the most incidents should theoretically rise the cost-benefit ratio automatically (less accidents=less need for hospitals/other public services=more space for people that actually require these services rather than a preventable scenario).

All theoretical but I know where you're coming from.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Not many people actually go to hospital for going through a level crossing. And cost isn't really a factor as QR invoices the insurance company that insures the driver for damages and disruption costs. The dewirement bill for Sunshine level crossing a few years back was massive. Most injuries actually come from people trespassing in the corridor or those attempting self harm.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Bayside MPs fail to agree on Lindum rail crossing

MEMBER for Bonner Ross Vasta will push for a meeting between Federal and State ministers in an attempt to find a solution to the dangerous Lindum rail crossing.

The latest move follows a meeting with State Member for Lytton Joan Pease, during which the two local politicians failed to find common ground on fixing the crossing.

Mr Vasta organised the meeting with Ms Pease but said he came away with no indication they could work together on the issue.

The rail crossing, next to Lindum Railway Station, has been the site of many near misses as trains on the busy Cleveland line cross paths with peak hour commuters, trucks, school buses and parents dropping their children off at nearby Iona College.

Suggested solutions have included an overpass or a tunnel, both of which would cost tens of millions of dollars.

The crossing became a hot political issue after Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, joined Mr Vasta on an inspection of the site and called on the State Labor Government to "step up to the plate".

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey bought into the debate, saying the state would only get involved in redeveloping the dangerous site once the Federal Government and Brisbane City Council had worked out a funding plan.

Mr Vasta said he would now push for a meeting between Mr Bailey, Mr Tudge, himself and Ms Pease in a bid to solve the issue.

He said he had used the face-to-face meeting with Ms Pease to impress on her how determined he was to fix the crossing.

"I said to Joan 'this is on our watch now and we have an obligation to fix it and make sure that at least the planning stage is done now'," he said.

"I've had minister after minister there and they can see it is dangerous. You know it and so do I. What can we do to fix this?"

Mr Vasta said Ms Pease had referred to a promise by former LNP Premier Campbell Newman to fund 100% of the project but he believed that was no longer relevant.

"I said successive governments have made promises and they were ignored.

"That doesn't change the fact it is on our watch.

"I think I impressed on her that I'm not going to allow her to dismiss this as a historical promise (by Campbell Newman) that should be kept.

"We have an obligation to get the funding to fix this.

"It will be on our heads if there is a tragedy there."

Mr Vasta said he was confident he was closer to a solution for what he rates as the No.1 infrastructure priority in his electorate.

"The pressure is well and truly on her. She knows I am not going away

"I have been very gentle and polite in my approach and will continue to do that.

"But I will be very forceful in my pushing to sit down with her minister and my minister and work out a plan to get this done."

The Wynnum Herald made several attempts to obtain comment from Ms Pease, contacting her office by email and phone, but without success.

[ozbob]

If they won't remove them ..

STOP THEM !   

https://twitter.com/cecilteaspoon/status/1057344441562947587

[red dragin]

Seems a planning study will soon be underway for the Boundary Rd, Coopers Plains Level Crossing.

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/B/Boundary-Road-Coopers-Plains-rail-level-crossing

The page is so new, that the link to the survey wasn't entered.

[ozbob]

Thanks, good pickup.  A sign of hope!   

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1064405291750481920

[OzGamer]

It'd be nice if they thought a bit more broadly about the road network around the station and in particular how to make it more accessible for buses, for example.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1066356613026471936

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Lindum rail crossing solution still in the works

FEDERAL LNP MP for Bonner Ross Vasta is continuing to work for a solution to fix the Lindum rail crossing.

Mr Vasta started a petition earlier this year to fix what local residents and parents from the nearby Iona College called a "dangerous hazard" to the community.

"Following my recent meeting with State Member for Lytton, Joan Pease, I wrote a letter asking for the issue to be followed with the Minister for Transport and Main Roads," Mr Vasta said.

"However, I have received no response or follow-up from the State Government.

"I am in contact with Brisbane City Council who has written to me in support of finding a solution to Lindum Station."

In recent months, Mr Vasta has remained positive the Lindum rail crossing will receive funding, despite missing out in the 2018/19 Federal Budget.

"Last week I met with Alan Tudge, the minister for infrastructure and spoke to him about the progress we have made with council, I also made it clear to him that I will continue to pursue Federal Government funding for this longstanding issue affecting the people of Bonner," he said.

Ms Pease said she understood the Lindum rail crossing was a complex issue and called for Brisbane City Council leadership on the issue.

"If Ross has money on the table, he needs to use it to work with the council for the solution," she said.

In March this year, the co-president of the Iona College Parents and Friends committee Andrew Reis, who has three sons at the school, said the crossing was a major concern in the school community. He also said it was one of the worst intersections he drives through and the amount of traffic in mornings led to danger for fellow motorists and pedestrians. Iona College P & F meetings are held once a month and Mr Reis has previously stated the crossing was brought up at least every second meeting.

Statistics provided by Queensland Rail showed there were 13 near misses between trains and vehicles from 2013 to 2017 and 18 near misses between trains and pedestrians.

Support from the bayside community has grown over the past year through the petition. Mr Vasta presented the petition, which he started in October 2017, to federal parliament in March with more than 5000 signatures.

Ms Pease said she understood the Lindum rail crossing was a complex issue and called for Brisbane City Council leadership on the issue.

"If Ross has money on the table, he needs to use it to work with the council for the solution," she said.

[SurfRail]

It doesn't strike me as being dramatically less safe or more heavily trafficked (by trains or vehicles on the road) than other metropolitan LXs, I wouldn't have though it is even in the top 10.  The difference is a particularly active local member making an issue out of it.  Same with the Dakabin Station Action Group - Dakabin is by no means up to scratch but it is hardly the station most in need of an upgrade.  Making noise makes all the difference.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Feasibility study for Coopers Plains railway crossing in Brisbane

THE Palaszczuk Government has invested $800,000 to determine if an overpass is the best solution for one of the most notorious railway crossings in Brisbane's south.

For decades the Boundary Rd level crossing at Coopers Plains has been a source of frustration for motorists, residents and businesses in the area.

While some have noted the feasibility study, which will investigate options to improve safety and reduce congestion, is a waste of taxpayers' money, others welcome the community consultation that the Department of Transport and Mains Roads has begun.

During the morning and evening peak of a normal week, the level crossing is passed by 498 trains, of which 206 are express, according to DTMR.

During peak periods, a traffic demand of up to 1000 vehicles per hour travel over the crossing, with a significant number of these being heavy vehicles.

The level crossing is closed for more than one third of the morning and evening peak periods, with closures of up to seven minutes at a time.

The findings of the study are expected to be delivered by late 2019.

However, even if the findings prove an overpass is the best option the State Government only plans to come to the table with 50 per cent funding, while Brisbane City Council is only looking to fork out 15 per cent.

The overpass is estimated to cost in excess of $200 million.

Both State Member for Toohey Peter Russo and Councillor Steve Griffiths (Moorooka) have lobbied to fix the crossing and are all for a 50-50 ­funding split.

It comes after council and State Government went 50-50 to construct railway overpasses at Geebung and Bracken Ridge, on the city's northside.

Earlier this year, the State's peak motoring body told the Southern Star the Coopers Plains level crossing had one of the highest number of boom gate strikes in the past decade.

RACQ spokeswoman Lucinda Ross said it was "worrying" there had been more than 30 boom gate strikes over the past seven years at the Boundary Rd level railway crossing.

"There's no excuse for colliding into boom gates — you're putting yourself and others at risk," she said.
What locals say

Business owner and southsider Annamarie Newton said: "Coopers Plains crossing has never been a quick fix, all sides should agree that the community must be consulted, alternatives such as overpasses or other ideas must be considered.

"The reality and practicality must be part of the solution and to do this a professional and proper assessment must be undertaken.

"The community deserves a workable long-term solution which will try and keep pace with the ever-increasing population on the southside."

Brisbane resident Valda de Vries said: "This crossing was there more than 50 years ago. This I know because we got married that year, 1968. Mortimer Road is still the same after 60 years. What is wrong? Not keeping up.

"Build bigger and bigger suburbs but no upgrade to infrastructure — it is wrong. You can't change things and not upgrade what happens around the new housing.

William Murfin added: "They should just block the intersection and divert traffic to Kessels Road as they won't do anything to upgrade this level crossing."

Former LNP Member for Algester and self-proclaimed "community advocate" Anthony Shorten said the feasibility study was "outrageous and a complete waste of taxpayers' money".

"(Member for Toohey) Peter Russo wants to charge the community for a study even he publicly stated wasn't needed," Mr Shorten told the Southern Star.

"A year on from the State Election and we are only now finding out how much Peter

Russo's study is going to cost taxpayers.

"A study into whether an overpass should be built at Coopers Plains railway crossing, everybody who uses the crossing knows that an overpass is required and $800,000 would be better spent buying key properties which surely must form part of any future plan.

"Peter Russo is using $800,000 of taxpayers money as a down payment for his re-

election campaign in 2020, which is coincidently when the study is due for release

and when the next State election is due."

"Residents want action, not more broken promises by the phantom Member for

Toohey".
What the pollies say

Member for Toohey Peter Russo told the Southern Star said the timeline to fix the crossing hadn't been determined.

"It is because it is a huge undertaking," he said.

"There will be public consultation to come up with a solution to fix the Coopers Plains crossing.

Mr Russo said the community was concerned about the railway crossing "delays and danger".

"It is the economic impacts it has on the businesses and the people trying to negotiate the crossing," Mr Russo said.

"We are trying to minimise the impact on the people and businesses in the area.

"(The study is) very important and a good step in trying to come up with a solution that has a minimum impact on locals and businesses."

Mr Russo said the Department of Transport and Main Roads had already started canvassing the area.

"It's been a long time coming," he said.

"This is Step 1 — you can't just go and start digging up the road."

Brisbane City Councillor Steve Griffiths (Moorooka ward) told the Southern Star he had been advised the Boundary Rd (Coopers Plains) Level Crossing Planning Study had commenced.

"TMR has committed $800,000 to investigate options to reduce congestion and address safety concerns with the Boundary Road level crossing," he said.

Over the coming months, TMR will work closely with directly affected property owners and stakeholders, including Brisbane City Council, which is the local road authority, throughout the study's delivery.

TMR will keep the local community informed as the project progresses.

Further detail regarding the detailed business case stage at this level crossing will be confirmed once the planning study is completed. Future stages are dependent on the study outcomes and funding availability.

There will be community consultation opportunities for interested residents, businesses and road users.

Feedback received between December 14 and February 15, 2019 will inform the planning study.

Community drop-in sessions:

Session 1 will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 between 9.30am and 1.30pm at

St David's Neighbourhood Centre, 68 Orange Grove Rd, Coopers Plains.

Session 2 will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2019 from 3.30-6.30pm at Coopers Plains Library, 107 Orange Grove Rd, Coopers Plains.

An online survey is available to complete until February 15.
Project background

Queues recorded during data collection in 2015 at the level crossing were as high as 66 cars in the morning peak and 55 cars in the evening peak during any 1 level crossing closure.

Traffic consists of about 80% private motor vehicles, 10% of small commercial vehicles and the rest are occasional trucks and buses.

This level crossing was named as one of Queensland's Top 10 worst level crossings from train drivers' perspectives in TrackSAFE's 2013 survey, and is regularly discussed in media articles and election campaigns, with local residents, RACQ and elected representatives calling for it to be grade separated due to congestion and safety issues.

Deloitte identified this level crossing in 2012 as a high priority level crossing to be eliminated; this took into account traffic, safety and economics.

Online survey > https://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/consultation/5512/view.html

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1074439706367021056

[verbatim9]

What do people think is better? A road overpass or sunken rail and realignment from Coopers Plains to Altandi?

[OzGamer]

What do people think is better? A road overpass or sunken rail and realignment from Coopers Plains to Altandi?

I'm in the camp that says don't throw good money after bad on this alignment. Save every dollar for a proper fast rail connection (160 km/hr) from around Yatala to Cross River Rail along the SE Freeway or similar.

At Coopers Plains just build the cheapest road bridge you can.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Council committed to crossing despite claims from opposition

THE Brisbane City Council insists they will still contribute funding to a Lindum Rail Crossing upgrade despite claims from the leader of the opposition.

Labor city councillor for Wynnum Manly Peter Cumming said Lord Mayor Graham Quirk had "again turned his back on the Lindum level crossing, effectively ruling out an upgrade for the next 25 years".

The claims came after a SEQ Council of Mayors' People Mass Movement Study released last week, which did not include Lindum on the list of level crossings for which state and federal government funding would be sought. The plan covers the next 25 years.

"Graham Quirk said in 2017 that fixing the Lindum level crossing was off the agenda and this just confirms it," Mr Cumming said.

"He's been sending mixed messages since then but now it is spelled out in black and white. The LNP administration has now effectively shut the door on the Lindum level crossing upgrade for the next 25 years."

But a BCC spokesman said they were still committed to contributing 15 per cent of funding to a possible upgrade of the crossing.

"The Council of Mayors report contained a list of future rail crossing projects provided by the Queensland Government's Department of Transport and Main Roads. Council had no input to the list," the spokesman said.

"Rail infrastructure has always been the responsibility of the State Government which has indicated rail crossing replacements are not a priority for them.

"In the 2018-19 Queensland State budget over $1.1m was allocated towards feasibility studies of two rail crossings in the Brisbane City Council area.

"The State Government has not said what their order of priority for more than 40 State rail crossings that exist across the Brisbane road network, however the funding of more than $1.1 million to two specific rail crossings indicates the Lindum open crossing is not a priority for them.

"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.

"Council stands ready to support an upgrade at Lindum Road with a 15 per cent contribution."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SteveGriffiths_/status/1091511850775113728

[ozbob]

>>> https://getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/consultation/5512/view.html

https://twitter.com/SteveGriffiths_/status/1092204243040096256

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> SEQ rail level crossings: 'What we've got at the moment is paralysis'

Level crossing replacement in south-east Queensland has been beset with "paralysis", with no crossings replaced since 2014.

That paralysis has led to calls from public transport advocacy group Rail: Back on Track to follow Victoria's lead and make the replacement of level crossings a state priority.

At least eight people have died at south-east Queensland rail level crossings since 2009, including a 70-year-old woman on Tuesday night Wynnum West's Lindum station.

Level crossings at Robinson Road, Geebung and Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge were identified, modelled and replaced by May 2014.

Those two projects were funded 50-50 by the Queensland government and Brisbane City Council, however lord mayor Graham Quirk said that funding model only applied to those projects, because replacing the level crossings was part of bigger city Council road projects at the same locations.

The Queensland government has budgeted $800,000 to plan $200 million rail level crossing on Boundary Road at Cooper's Plains.

Last year, Transport Minister Mark Bailey reported there was a 33 per cent in "near misses" at rail level crossings in 2107-18 when cars almost collided with trains at rail level crossings.

"Last year, an alarming 248 road users were reported experiencing a near miss between their vehicle or themselves and a train at Queensland Rail level crossings as a result of disobeying warning signs and signals," he said.

In 2017, Queensland Transport data showed seven people died, 19 were seriously injured and 35 received minor injuries at 1360 open level rail crossing incidents between 2009 and 2016.

Tuesday's fatal incident at Lindum Train Station has renewed calls for faster action to replace rail level crossings.

Robert Dow from Rail Back on Track said "paralysis" has set in over the replacement of rail level crossings.

"Nothing's happening," he said.

"Train frequency is going to increase with the extra trains added to the network which means we could have more disruptions and potentially, more incidents like we had at Lindum.

"It's best to be proactive and have them replaced in systematic way, but what we've got at the moment is paralysis."

He pointed to Victoria's Labor government, which has set up a Level Crossing Authority which is progressively replacing 75 dangerous and congested level crossings across Melbourne, with a due completion date of 2025.

Victoria's  rail level crossing project's estimated $6 billion cost has blown by $2.3 billion to reach $8.3 billion by 2022.

The project is being funded by the Victorian government from the proceeds of the $9.7 billion long-term lease of the Port of Melbourne.

Quensland's Labor government does not support asset sales to raise money for infrastructure.

Mr Dow said south-east Queensland mayors recently prioritised many level crossings in their City Deal documents, which is instead trying to have three levels of government fund many infrastructure projects.

"There are a number of level crossings in south-east Queensland that have been identified by the Council of Mayors," he said.

"Progress Road at Wacol is one, Boundary Road at Coopers Plains is another."

Mr Dow said Coorparoo's level crossing and several on the Cleveland rail line should also be replaced.

Cr Quirk said the council would fund 15 per cent of any project to replace rail level crossings, because rail infrastructure was a state government responsibility.

"Rail infrastructure has always been the responsibility of the state government, which has indicated rail crossing replacements are not a priority for them," Cr Quirk said.

In the 2018-19 Queensland state budget, more over $1.1 million was allocated towards feasibility studies of two rail crossings in the Brisbane City Council area.

Cr Quirk said the coucil would support an upgrade at Lindum Road with a contribution from ratepayers of 15 per cent.

Mr Bailey said replacing rail level crossings was expensive, but said planning was under way to replace level crossings at Carseldine, Lindum and Coopers Plains.

"Transport and Main Roads is working with Brisbane City Council on a study of all level crossings in its local government area to identify upgrade priorities," he said.

"The Lindum level crossing is part of that study, as it is located at a complex intersection of various council roads.

"We have committed $800,000 towards developing a preferred option for the level crossing at Coopers Plains and $400,000 for the level crossing at Beams Road, Carseldine."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1105020243892613120