The Federal Government is delivering further funding for level crossing projects in regional areas.
Four projects will share in $800,000 under Round 2 of the Research and Innovation Grants, a component of the Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program (RALCSP).
Through the Research and Innovation Grants, the Federal Government is delivering a total of $4.7 million from 2023-24 to 2025-26 to support research and trials of low-cost, innovative level crossing safety technology and improvements.
These latest projects are in addition to the six projects already underway, which received a total of $2.8 million in federal funding under Round 1.
They will investigate human behaviours at level crossings, trial radar technology that detects upcoming obstacles, engage predictive models to identify high-risk level crossings, and use analytics tools to promote low cost and efficient upgrades.
The results will be used to inform ongoing activities under the National Level Crossing Safety Strategy currently being delivered jointly by the Federal Government, local governments, rail and heavy vehicle industry associations and regulators.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “This is yet another demonstration of our Government’s commitment to achieving the goal of zero harm at level crossings, and finding better ways to improve the safety of level crossings in the regions.
“Currently, most level crossings in regional Australia have either give way or stop signs, particularly where there is no reliable electricity source.”
To address this, the $180.1 million RALCSP is also providing funding to deliver infrastructure upgrades such as rumble strips or boom gates, improve data, and promote safe behaviours around level crossings.
“This is consistent with the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 which sets a goal for the Australian, state and territory governments of reducing road deaths by 50 per cent and serious injuries by 30 per cent by 2030.
“I look forward to seeing these latest projects get underway, to help us pave a safer road and rail future in Australia.”
