The Minister for Public Transport, Lynne Kosky, today announced the completion of $750,000 upgrades to three level crossings at Swan Marsh and Pirron Yallock, significantly improving safety for roads users in the Colac Otway Shire.
Ms Kosky said the level crossings at Swan Marsh and Settlement Roads, Pirron Yallock and Swan Marsh-Stoneyford Road, Swan Marsh had been upgraded to boost their safety features as part of the Brumby Government’s commitment to improve safety at level crossings across Victoria.
“These level crossings previously had been passive crossings without flashing lights or audible warnings,” Ms Kosky said.
“All three upgraded level crossings now feature flashing warning lights and audible warning bells utilising state-of-the-art technology.
“Last financial year, the safety of 57 road and pedestrian level crossings was upgraded and we are on track to upgrade 46 crossings this financial year.”
A record 153 pedestrian and road level crossings were upgraded during the past two financial years as part of the Brumby Government’s commitment to continue improving level crossing safety across Victoria
The 2006/2007 State Budget outlined $160 million over the next 10 years for the Level and Pedestrian Crossing Upgrade Program.
In addition to the annual funding, $33.2 million is being spent a new level crossing safety package, with 53 automated warning signs to be installed on regional crossings, rumble strips added to 200 crossings, and other safety works completed to build on the existing upgrade program.
Member for Western Victoria, Gaye Tierney said the upgrade would improve safety across the Colac Otway Shire.
“The upgrade of three level crossings in the Colac Otway Shire is the next step in the Brumby Government’s commitment to improve level crossing safety,
“We are boosting safety measures at hundreds of level crossings across the state but drivers also have to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others and ensure they use crossings appropriately and obey warning signals,” Ms Tierney said.
Further information about the Brumby Government’s pedestrian crossing upgrade programs can be found at www.doi.vic.gov.au/transport
