The South East Queensland (SEQ) Level Crossing Program is the Queensland Government’s new coordinated approach, towards finding cost-effective solutions to some of our most problematic level crossings across the South East.
The program aims to reduce congestion and improve the performance, safety and reliability of the transport network.
This work highlights 14 level crossings with solutions either currently under construction, in design or planning.
TMR has dedicated staff to deliver this program, including $10 million to do planning studies on level crossings found to be a priority.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said the government recognises level crossings are an issue that impacts every Queenslander, whether they are a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist or driver.
“The SEQ Level Crossing Program demonstrates our commitment to improving and removing priority level crossings across the South-East,” he said.
“The program is aimed at improving safety, traffic flows and public transport reliability at and around level crossings. It also allows us to prepare for increased rail services when Cross River Rail and Logan Gold Coast Faster Rail are finished.
“We have committed hundreds of millions of dollars towards upgrading level crossings at Coopers Plains, Carseldine and Lindum.
“Five level crossings will also be removed at Kuraby, Woodridge, Bethania, Holmview and Beenleigh as part of the $5.75 billion Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project, jointly funded with the Australian Government.
“Another three level crossings are being identified for upgrades including one at Glass House Mountains and Beerburrum as part of the $1.004 billion Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (Stage 1).”
A planning study is the first step towards a business case for each crossing and establishes a list of short and long-term solutions for each crossing.
Depending on traffic volumes and safety considerations, options range from reconfiguring intersections, widening nearby roads, and installing traffic lights to building rail or road overpasses.
The program also presents an opportunity to potentially deliver more homes in the immediate vicinity of redeveloped crossings, as well as better integrated pedestrian and cycling paths.
RTBU Queensland Branch Secretary Peter Allen said this is a terrific announcement which will make communities safer.
“Drivers, rail workers, emergency responders, and passengers support eliminating level crossings because we all deserve to live in safe communities,” he said.
“Removing level crossings is transformational for communities. It means trains don’t have to blast their horn every time they approach the crossing. It makes for safer streets. It makes the jobs of our members safer. Everyone wins.”
As part of the new approach, the Queensland Government will also move to develop an agreed funding model towards level crossings, involving all three levels of Government.
The program commits to no new level crossings on future passenger rail lines in South East Queensland.
The department and Queensland Rail will also be considering regional crossings as part of further level crossing improvements, looking at technology and other solutions to improve public safety.
Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon said truck drivers encounter level crossings daily and they are always a major safety concern.
“Importantly, the roads and the warning systems around level crossings need to be designed with trucks in mind as they have different visibility and stopping distance considerations compared to light vehicles,” he said.
“Safety is always front of mind for the road freight industry, and we will always strongly advocate for investment that will improve safety outcomes for our truck drivers when delivering into our communities.
“We are pleased to hear of the funding that is being committed to improve the safety for our road users around level crossings in Queensland.”
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