A $789,000 project has improved rail safety at two level crossings on the Bellarine Railway, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said today.
Mr Mulder said works on the tourist railway line running heritage steam services and the famous Blues Train included the installation of boom barriers at the Swan Bay Road and Banks Road, Mannerim, level crossings.
“The works involved installation of flashing lights and boom barriers, asphalting and track works to upgrade the level crossings – which had previously only had safety signage,” Mr Mulder said.
“The installation of flashing lights and boom barriers as well as associated track works will boost safety at these level crossings where tourist trains, heavy vehicles and cars all mix,” Mr Mulder said.
President of the Bellarine Railway Andrew Bridger welcomed the completion of the works that will improve the safety interface between the tourist railway line and busy local roads.
“For some time, calls have been made for funding to make safety improvements along the tourist railway line,” Mr Bridger said.
“Our staff have noted many near misses between trains and cars and, late last year, a collision occurred between a car and train in which, thankfully, no one was injured.
“Coalition Government funding and works that improve safety protection at these busy rail and road crossings are a real a boost for the Bellarine Railway and community safety,” Mr Bridger said.
Member for Western Victoria David Koch said that the level crossing upgrades were great news.
“The Bellarine Railway is a tremendous tourism and heritage railway asset for the Bellarine area. Its popularity on normal operating days and nights including The Blues Train makes it all the more important that the Coalition Government acts to increase safety at level crossings along the Drysdale to Queenscliff line,” Mr Koch said.
Mr Mulder said the works were managed by VicTrack and were funded under the State Level and Pedestrian Crossing Upgrade Program.
