Press Releases

The Coalition Government has completed the installation of boom barriers to improve safety at two level crossings in Traralgon and Wurruk, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said today.

Mr Mulder said that these level crossings were upgraded at a cost of $550,000 under the Coalition Government's $47 million Fix Regional Level Crossings upgrade program.

"The crossings have been upgraded with boom barriers adding to the previous flashing lights and warning bells, significantly improving safety for people who use the crossings," Mr Mulder said.

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan and Member for Morwell Russell Northe said that they were very pleased with these new Bairnsdale line boom barriers.

“The Traralgon to Sale area has a history of level crossing accidents dating back many years. These safety imrprovements will be welcomed by Gippsland residents,“ Mr Northe said.

The Hunt Place, Wurruk level crossing is about two kilometres west of Sale railway station while Minniedale Road, Traralgon’s crossing is about four kilometres east of Traralgon railway station.

Mr Mulder said that there were 40 V/Line passenger trains through these level crossings a week.

“With Sale, Traralgon and Bairnsdale continuing to grow, it is more important than ever to improve safety between road users and trains. Hunt Place is a key local road connection to the Princes Highway. Minniedale Road, Traralgon links residents with the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Flynn,” Mr Mulder said.

Mr Mulder said that these two level crossing upgrades undertaken by VicTrack were among the first of up to 75 level crossings to be upgraded across the state as part of the Coalition Government's $47 million Fix Regional Level Crossings Upgrade program funded over four years from 2011/12 .

"This program is in addition to the Coalition Government’s ongoing State Level Crossing Upgrade Program. It is part of the Coalition Government's aim to accelerate improved level crossing safety across Victoria. It is important that all Victorians continue to take care at all level crossings, whether or not crossings have give way or stop signs or flashing lights with or without boom barriers."

Further Information about level crossing upgrades is at www.transport.vic.gov.au. Read More