Level crossings and Grade separation - level crossing removal

[p858snake]

As a non train buff, Would it really matter back along the same track then switched over at/just before bowen hills?

[somebody]

As a non train buff, Would it really matter back along the same track then switched over at/just before bowen hills?

Depends.  If there is signaling to allow this then that would be acceptable so long as the effective single track has enough capacity.

[petey3801]

somebody
At Mitchelton there are both Up and Down crossovers as you mentioned, but there are also anoter pair of Up and down crossovers located between Alderley and Newmarket stations. And another set of Crossovers between Mayne and Legeyt st pedestrian crossing. According to the views offered by nearmap (As at January 14th 2011) a couple of these additional crossovers looked to be wired up.

scott

Ok, thanks for the correction.  Do you know if they are signaled and serviceable?  In NSW there are rules about points not being used in the last 24 hours requiring inspections before being returned to service.  Or something like that.

Emergency crossovers only. Manually operated, am honestly not sure when they were last used. A lot time would be used by having to go through those crossovers, so just easier and more efficient to run a shuttle from Mitchy to Ferny (Bi-Di all the way) and terminate at Bowen Hills for outbound trains from the city. Bowen Hills to just before Mitchy is Uni-Directional track.

[ozbob]

From the North West News 26th January 2011 page 1

Drivers flout rail rules

Drivers flout rail rules

TRAIN TERROR: MOTORISTS ARE PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE AT RAILWAY CROSSINGS, RISKING THEIR LIVES AS WELL AS OTHERS'
MARNIE LUDGATE

A PUBLIC transport advocate has called for tough penalties for motorists who dice with death, by flouting rail crossing safety warnings, after three level crossing incidents in Brisbane last Wednesday.

Rail travel on the Ferny Grove line was delayed for nearly an hour when a vehicle knocked a boom arm from its mounting, on to the railway track at Prospect Rd. Mitchelton.

Robert Dow, spokesman for pro-transport group Rail Back on Track. said on the same day there were two other rail crossing incidents, at Wacol and Wynnum.

He said it was time drivers heeded warning signals and stopped trying to "race" past boom gates.

"I think there is a need to ramp up the penalties to make sure people realise this is something that causes serious injury." he said.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said in the 2009-10 year, there were 14 near misses at Mitchelton. 10 at Keperra and eight at Ferny Grove while three boom gates were broken at Alderley and Newmarket.

"In 2009, there were 702 near misses at level crossings in Queensland and each of these has a traumatic effect on our drivers," the spokeswoman said.

"If you take risks at a railway crossing, you are not only risking your own life, but you are risking the lives of others."

Ferny Grove Acting Sergeant Steve Torcetti warned drivers to be vigilant. Drivers who enter a level crossing when a train is approaching or fail to stop face a maximum penalty of $2000.

[Derwan]

Just heard that a train collided with a truck at Strathpine around 8:20am.  No more details at this stage.

[Golliwog]

There was a short article on both Brisbanetimes.com.au and Couriermail.com.au saying that it was just past Strathpine station. The train was an out of service train so only had the driver and gaurd on board and it was going slowly through the station before coming to the crossing where the collision occurred. Truck driver is fine I believe, the article said nothing about who was at fault (truck driver taking his chance or faulty gate).

[Gazza]

This is just an idea I had, but I reckon at level crossings they should just put a high concrete median on the crossing approaches to make it impossible for motorists to try and drive around the boom gates.
At the same time on the crossing itself, between each track down the middle they should put a concrete cube (See:  http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=seventeen+mile+rocks+rd&aq=&sll=-27.546709,152.958355&sspn=0.003539,0.008256&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Seventeen+Mile+Rocks+Rd,+Queensland&ll=-27.546935,152.957336&spn=0.001769,0.004128&t=f&z=19&layer=c&cbll=-27.546937,152.957333&panoid=SOxG0BiErmBZziPF9kVQnw&cbp=12,3.95,,0,7.4 ) one between each track (Designed as not to interfere with the loading gauge). Again this would make it very difficult to try and to a 'S-Bend' around the boom gates.
It's sad they should have to resort to this, but I think physically stopping people is the only way.

[#Metro]

Great idea! Even better- put up a busway style fence like they have at Melbourne street. Its very cheap and simple.
Divide the road with concrete divider or median strip. This is so much cheaper than grade separation and practical too!!!

FANTASTIC IDEA!

[Golliwog]

I would be against the cubes in the crossing part. Where Dawson Pde crosses the FG I have seen on at least one occassion an ambulance (lights and sirens, the whole shebang) roaring down Dawson Pde from Samford Rd when the gates were down for an outbound train and wait on the wrong side of the road. In this case the train driver poked his head out and waved the ambo through but where thats not practical (ie: the crossing isn't next to a station) the ambo (or any other emergency service vehicle) should be able to cut through the crossing back to the right side of the road.

I do however support the crash barrier median in the middle, where its warranted (and where it would actually fit). I would like to see them look at the incidents that occur at each crossing and only put the barrier in if it woudl actually help. Ie: theres no point putting it in if all the incidents are just people driving through the gate not around it.

[#Metro]

Good point- there is no technical fix for stupidity.
People who drive at full speed at the gate will not be helped by fences.

[Golliwog]

Or even just slow traffic. I was on the FG line in the morning peak heading in and going across South Pine Rd I got to watch as we went through (slower than usual, the driver would have seen it) the inbound bus, which had pulled just past the gate in the slow moving traffic (couldn't have gone across once the lights started to flash as there was no room and couldn't go back due to the line behind it) have the boom gate bouncing off the roof in its attempts to close.

[#Metro]

That is so dangerous!

Rail light camera!!! 

[mufreight]

The law is quite explicit, it is an offence to enter and stop on the rail corridor at a level crossing if it it not immediately possible to clear the crossing,
Simply time to apply the law and make drivers aware of their responsibilities.
As for the bus driver who entered onto the crossing, past the boom gates without the crossing being clear and sufficent road space beyong the crossing on the other side to enable him to clear the crossing, he should have at the minimum had his licence cancled for life and jailed for a sufficent time to ensure that he (and others) got the message with regard to practices such as this and be made personaly liable for any damages caused as a consequence.
The hip pocket nerve is the most effective deterent to selfish inconsiderate and impatient people known.
For Mr/Ms average motorist again the same applies.

[HappyTrainGuy]

There was a short article on both Brisbanetimes.com.au and Couriermail.com.au saying that it was just past Strathpine station. The train was an out of service train so only had the driver and gaurd on board and it was going slowly through the station before coming to the crossing where the collision occurred. Truck driver is fine I believe, the article said nothing about who was at fault (truck driver taking his chance or faulty gate).

From what I've heard the crash was a result of the truck being stuck in the middle of the crossing because of traffic ahead when the gates were lowered. They reversed taking out the gates and the car waiting behind the truck. The train was heading north from bald hills and would have been shadowing the Caboolture all stations. It made hardly any contact with the front of the truck.

[Dean Quick]

Stupidity knows no bounds!!

[mufreight]

At least two idiots who should not be on the road.

[Golliwog]

Available in the North West News

Gridlock in Grovely
Local News8 Feb 11 @ 12:00pm by Marnie Ludgate
  FRUSTRATION is building as far back as the bank of traffic on Dawson Pde in Grovely where the flipside of improved train services is being felt on the road.
But don't expect change soon upgrades are not on the cards until after 2031.
Congestion problems stemming from the level rail-crossing at Grovely Train Station have filtered in to surrounding streets where motorists are rat-running through suburbia to avoid congestion.
Between 7am and 9am on weekdays, 13 trains are scheduled to pass the Dawson Pde level crossing.
Motorists have lodged numerous complaints to the North-West News about the time more than one minute they had to wait before the trains started to cross the road after the lights started flashing.
Councillor Andrew Wines said since train frequency was improved by the dual line, motorists were increasingly frustrated by the number of times traffic was halted.
``I see people turn around and do U-turns and look for other ways to cross,'' he said.
But Queensland Rail CEO Paul Scurrah said the department ``makes no apologies for taking every precaution to save lives at our crossings''.
``A pause of 30 seconds or one minute for a train to pass is not a lot to ask to ensure the safety of road users, our train crew and customers,'' he said.
Cr Wines said Dawson Pde was eighth on the State Government's list of rail level crossings upgrades.
In the South-East Queensland Transport Infrastructure Plan 2031, the State Government did not include any rail overpass works in its planned projects.
``It does concern me because it's a really important piece of infrastructure to (address) the city's traffic problems,'' Cr Wines said.
A $30,000 road study on ways to improve Dawson Pde will be out by June but motorists should not get their hopes up.
``It will improve safety and alter rat-running but I don't think it will reduce congestion,'' Cr Wines said.
``There's quite a deal of poor driving behaviour at Grovely State School which is a real area of concern. There is a blind hill there and people make poor U-turn decision and use the lights for the wrong decision.''
Keperra resident Shane Smith said he was concerned any roadwork on Dawson Pd would cause more non-local vehicles to come through adjoining suburbia

Theres a picture of the line on the website. I have seen at times in the evening peak the traffic backed up to and most liekly through the intersection with Samford Rd. Usually it doesn't get quite that far but it does happen on occasion.

[ozbob]

Put them off the road ... not a good start to the week at all

Twitter

TransLinkSEQ
 
Shorncliffe Line services suspended due to traffic accident at Banyo rail crossing.
http://alturl.com/npcqd about 2 hours ago via TransLink SEQ

and

TransLink SEQ
 
Cleveland line trains at Coorparoo delayed due to earlier level crossing incident at Stanley Street East. More info: http://twurl.nl/2ewffc
17 minutes ago via TransLink SEQ

=============

The roads are getting worse and worse, the behaviour of many drivers is completely unacceptable.

[curator49]

My son caught the 5.30 am service from Sunnybank as usual one morning last week. However, its departure from Sunnybank was delayed as a car was "parked" across the tracks at the Stones Road level crossing. Why he was there (no other road traffic at that time of day) we do not know.

They had to wait until he cleared the level crossing.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Happens all the time at Banyo level crossing. On Friday the Shorncliffe train arrived and was delayed waiting on the platform at Banyo and I just watched car after car stopping directly in front of the train. The boomgates weren't down as the train wasn't inbound but it was just amazing to see how many small buzz boxes stopped and waited idle on the tracks.

[mufreight]

It used to be law that a vehicle could not enter a crossing unless it was clear to complete the crossing, why is the law not being applied now,
Think of the revenue a $250? fine each time, those agrieved by the consequences of their own stupidity could then go crying to the media about how hard done by they were which would quite quickly get the message accross, might even deter some of these mechanical idiots who hit boom gates as well.

[HappyTrainGuy]

To the best of my knowledge the police charge people that have damaged boomgates with careless driving but to enforce people stopping in the middle of a level crossing is not so easy unless a traffic cop happens to be in the area at the time. But setting up a random sting at some crossings during peak hour could be a nice little cash cow for them

[ozbob]

Twitter

TransLinkSEQ
 
Trains through Sherwood delayed up to 30 minutes due to boom gates incident. Visit http://translink.com.au for more.
about 9 hours ago via TransLink SEQ

==========

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Drivers beat boomgates at rail crossings - and hefty fines

Drivers beat boomgates at rail crossings - and hefty fines

    by Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    May 14, 2011 12:00AM

DRIVERS who try to beat the boomgates at level crossings are being fined just $100 more than passengers who put their feet on train seats.

But despite demands from unions and commuters to get tough on offenders, state Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk has refused to change the penalties.

"Being hit by a train should be a big enough deterrent," she said.

The offence carries three demerit points and a $300 fine $100 more than for eating on a train or putting feet on a seat.

Last year, 170 level-crossing collisions occurred across the state, damaging boom gates three times a week.

Commuter advocacy group Back on Track wants the State Government to suspend the licences of drivers who hit boom gates and make them pay for repairs.

Spokesman Robert Dow said the social and economic impact of the incidents was enormous.

"Is it going to take a major disaster for the Government to move?"

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th May 2011

Level crossing incidents - action needed

Greetings,

For your information.  Following the sad Kerang level crossing crash Victoria moved to introduce a reasonable sanction for lunatic behaviour.

Queensland lags on level crossing safety enforcement, will it take another 'Kerang' for the Queensland Government to actually bite the bullet?  The present fines and sanctions in Queensland are a very pathetic joke.  They are an insult to train crew, to the travelling public, and to all motorists who are also at risk as a result of the errant behaviour of irresponsible dangerous fools who should not be driving.

Enough, if the Queensland Government will not act stand aside and let those who will please.

Best wishes
Robert

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

================================

http://www.aph.gov.au/House/committee/itrdlg/updatetrainillumination/report/Final%20Report.pdf

In March 2007, Queensland Transport raised the existing fine for
risky driving or disobeying road rules at level crossings from $45 to
$225 and 3 demerit points.

In New South Wales the current fine for disobeying road rules at
level crossings is $300 and 3 demerit points.

In Victoria, following the Kerang train disaster in 2007, the
Government raised penalties for infringements at level crossings.
In its submission to the inquiry, the Victorian Department of
Transport outlined the tightening of enforcement measures to
encourage motor vehicle drivers to comply with road rules at level
crossings.

Noting:
Penalties for level crossing infringements have been
toughened, rising from $177 and three demerit points to
$430 and four demerit points. A new offence has been
introduced for speeding to beat a train, crossing tracks
when lights and bells are operating, or weaving in
between lowered boom gates. It carries a fine of 30 penalty
units, a ($3,304) infringement, four demerit points and
automatic three month licence suspension.

==================================

From the Courier Mail click here!

Drivers beat boomgates at rail crossings - and hefty fines

Drivers beat boomgates at rail crossings - and hefty fines

    by Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    May 14, 2011 12:00AM

DRIVERS who try to beat the boomgates at level crossings are being fined just $100 more than passengers who put their feet on train seats.

But despite demands from unions and commuters to get tough on offenders, state Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk has refused to change the penalties.

"Being hit by a train should be a big enough deterrent," she said.

The offence carries three demerit points and a $300 fine $100 more than for eating on a train or putting feet on a seat.

Last year, 170 level-crossing collisions occurred across the state, damaging boom gates three times a week.

Commuter advocacy group Back on Track wants the State Government to suspend the licences of drivers who hit boom gates and make them pay for repairs.

Spokesman Robert Dow said the social and economic impact of the incidents was enormous.

"Is it going to take a major disaster for the Government to move?"

[BrizCommuter]

If you though Brisbane's level crossings were bad! - interesting video.

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/05/if-you-though-brisbane-level-crossings.html

[#Metro]

Brizcommuter.... I CAN SEE FREIGHT ON THAT LINE!!!

How do they do it???!!!

[somebody]

If you though Brisbane's level crossings were bad! - interesting video.

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/05/if-you-though-brisbane-level-crossings.html

Very weird to have a level crossing on a six track railway.  Still weird on a four track one.  NSW wouldn't have a level crossing on more than two tracks anywhere, I'm reasonably sure, with the unlikely exception of the Hunter (Islington Jct, near Newcastle to Maitland is a quad and a triple was to be built at some point) where I am less sure.

[ozbob]

Still weird on a four track one

Sherwood Road Sherwood. Wacol, although two lines are just for shunting and not used much these days.

[somebody]

Still weird on a four track one

Sherwood Road Sherwood. Wacol, although two lines are just for shunting and not used much these days.

Good point!  Still, at least that one has plenty of perfectly reasonable alternatives.

[ozbob]

Wacol is interesting.  They have some red traffic lights that work in concert with the red flashing crossing lights.  A number of years ago we highlighted the problems at Wacol and there was some remedial action as a result.  There has still been the odd 'incident' but they do seem to be a lot less.  The general arrangement at Wacol is also abit confusing too.

In my discussions with journalists I always press the need for rail/road separation.  The reality is that is not going to happen for a while so there does need to be actions at various levels to stop the madness.  Licence sanctions and fines are only one aspect, I would like to see much more use of red light cameras (with raised sanctions as for Victoria) this would stop most instances of red flashing light running - which I believe is the fundamental issue, mistiming and hitting gates.  Some crossings do need advanced warnings (rural) and speed limits on approach so that heavy vehicles can actually stop, rather than attempt to outrun the train.  

Traffic lights, working in concert with the standard red flashing lights is also worth pursuing.  Seems to have worked at Wacol.  Drivers seem to obey traffic lights as an instinct.

[Stillwater]

The federal government has a program of providing money to the states for boom gates and safety measures at level crossings: http://www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au/funding/boomgates/

I am petty sure that one of the conditions of the program is that an infringement camera must be part of the design of each location upgrade.

[ozbob]

Until the penalities match the seriousness of the offence, the cameras are not doing much.

Three months automatic licence suspension and a few thousand dollars to General Revenue will endear behaviour change, particularly in the knowledge that they will be 'happy snapped' should they cross the line when the lights are flashing ...

[#Metro]

Sometimes I think what's needed is a "Rail Renovation fund"

[somebody]

Until the penalities match the seriousness of the offence, the cameras are not doing much.

Three months automatic licence suspension and a few thousand dollars to General Revenue will endear behaviour change, particularly in the knowledge that they will be 'happy snapped' should they cross the line when the lights are flashing ...

Do we know how many people have been snapped by the camera?

[ozbob]

I have no idea. There are not many crossings with a red light camera, some have CCTV.  We don't seem to hear about any enforcement efforts.

Need to match at a mimumum what Victoria has done.  Go through the lights and a big whammy.

[#Metro]

Why the hesitation? This is what I am struggling to understand along with other cryptic decisions like purposely keeping the upgraded high train frequency between Darra-CBD secret and the rubbish bin survey...

Don't they want more safety? Why are they hesitating?

CCTV how good is that image? Is the quality and detail good enough to stand up in court or is it fluff quality that you see at service stations.

[ozbob]

There is some CCTV footage in this youtube video.

These are the idiots that should not be allowed to drive, actively driving around activated boom gates ...

[Dean Quick]

Our current transport minister says " being hit by a train should be a big enough deterrent."   How PATHETICALLY out of touch is that ?  It is quite obviously NOT a big enough deterrent. Quite sad really when the risks and costs of a collision are so high.

[ozbob]

Media release 15 May 2011

Queensland: Level crossing madness, sanctions inadequate

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers calls on the Queensland Government to significantly increase fines and sanctions for motor vehicle drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who break the safety rules at level crossings.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Level crossing breaches by motorists and others are out of control in Queensland.  They are serious offences with great risk to train crew, the travelling public and other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. In south-east Queensland alone boom gates are hit on average three times a week with massive disruption to rail and road networks, and there are hundreds of near misses each year."

Following the Kerang rail disaster in Victoria the Victorian Government moved to significantly increase fines and implemented a three month automatic licence suspension (see below) for motor vehicle offences.  Sanctions are only one aspect of improving driver behaviours.

"There is a need for rail/road separation.  The reality is that is not going to happen for a while so there needs to be actions at various levels to stop the madness in addition to penalties.  Licence sanctions and fines are only one aspect. We would like to see much more use of red light cameras with increased penalties as for Victoria, this would stop most instances of red flashing light running which we believe is the fundamental issue, mistiming and vehicles hitting gates.  Some rural crossings do need advanced warnings and speed limits on approach so that heavy vehicles can actually stop, rather than attempt to outrun the train."

"Traffic lights, working in concert with the standard red flashing lights is also worth pursuing.  Seems to have worked at Wacol since red traffic lights were placed there to assist with a very confusing road and rail layout.  Drivers seem to obey traffic lights as an instinct most times."

"The Minister for Transport's comment that 'Being hit by a train should be a big enough deterrent' as reported in Brisbane media (1) is simply out of touch in our opinion. Clearly being hit by a train is not a deterrent in view of the large number of offences and near misses (2). Our rail operators have invested much time and effort into level crossing safety campaigns.  They need support from Government. Decisive action is needed, and needed today!"

References:

1. Railway Crossing Incident at Mitchelton - News Stories from TVQ10, BTQ7 and QTQ9 

2. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/drivers-beat-boom-gates-at-rail-crossings-and-hefty-fines/story-e6freoof-1226055632328

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

=================

Victoria Road Safety Act 1986 - SECT 68B

Deliberately or recklessly entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching etc.

68B. Deliberately or recklessly entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching etc.

(1) A driver of a vehicle must not, deliberately or recklessly, enter a level crossing if-

(a) warning lights (for example, twin red lights or rotating red lights) are operating or warning bells are ringing; or

(b) a gate, boom or barrier at the crossing is closed or is opening or closing; or

(c) a train or tram is on or entering the crossing; or

(d) a train or tram approaching the crossing can be seen from the crossing, or is sounding a warning, and there would be a danger of a collision with the train or tram if the driver entered the crossing; or

(e) the driver cannot drive through the crossing because the crossing, or a road beyond the crossing, is blocked.
The Maximum Penalty - Entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching

According to VIC Law for the charge of Entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching,

30 penalty units

The court must if the offender holds a driver licence or permit, suspend the licence or permit for a period of not less than 3 months; or if the offender does not hold a driver licence or permit, disqualify the offender from obtaining one for a period of not less than 3 months.