Every active level crossing on the Echuca line will be upgraded by the Victorian Government, in order to restore safe and reliable services for local passengers following a delay in the boom gates going down at a north Bendigo crossing.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said the Victorian Government will upgrade 12 level crossings between Bendigo and Echuca.
Recently, boom gates at a crossing north of Bendigo came down 15 seconds before the train ran through the crossing, rather than the 25 seconds as it should have.
While no one was at risk, V/Line suspended services while it investigated the cause of the detection error and what needed to be done to fix it.
As a result of those investigations, the Victorian Government will install detection devices at every level crossing between Bendigo and Echuca that is controlled by boom gates.
The devices, called ‘axle counters’, will ensure trains are detected in time, every time.
These works will take five to seven weeks to complete, during which time coaches will continue to replace trains between Echuca and Bendigo (Epsom) and connect to train services between Bendigo and Melbourne.
Ms Allan said, “We’re upgrading every active level crossing on the Echuca line to restore services as soon as possible.
“The axle counters will ensure boom gates come down in time, every time – keeping motorists, passengers and staff safe.”
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said, “The new detection devices will ensure boom gates between Bendigo and Echuca work as they should, so we can run the safe, reliable services local passengers deserve.”
