Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson says work must begin as soon as possible to upgrade a dangerous crossing near Quirindi.
“Any death on our railway corridors is a tragedy for families and local communities, and we need to do everything we can to make local rail crossings as safe as possible,” Mr Anderson said.
“It’s so important for residents to remain vigilant because history shows us that complacency at rail crossings can be fatal.”
The installation of the Rail Active Crossing System Trial on the Callaghan’s Lane crossing was due to begin this month, but Transport for NSW have announced that the project has been hit with delays.
Anderson says he’d been pushing hard for the upgrade following a tragic incident that resulted in a local resident losing their life.
“After the Quirindi community lost one of their own in a tragic accident at the Callaghan’s Lane crossing, I visited the site alongside concerned community members to see what more the government could do to alert local drivers to the fact that a train is coming.”
“Following that meeting, I asked the Minister to come back with a solution that would prevent a future tragedy and as a result, the Minister announced a $1.2 million trial of new solar powered safety technology with flashing lights and advance warning signage that is triggered by an approaching train.”
“I am now being told that there is a delay in delivering the safety upgrades and they won’t be delivered this month as originally planned, which is disappointing.”
“That’s not good enough. The community is demanding a safer crossing, and they have been left waiting in fear, watching their neighbours drive across the crossing every day.
“I want it upgraded as soon as possible and I’ll be keeping the pressure on to ensure a better, safer crossing is delivered.”
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