Safety upgrades at three level crossings on the Bairnsdale rail line worth $1.5 million are now complete, making them safer for road users, rail passengers and local residents.

Labor Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, said the new boom barriers at Flynns Creek Rd in Flynn, Rosedale-Flynns Creek Rd in Rosedale and Myrtlebank Rd in Montgomery will improve community safety by alerting locals to the approach of trains.

Ms Shing said that the three level crossings had been a source of ongoing concern, with a number of near misses between trains and vehicles at each of these now upgraded level crossings over the past five years.

The new barriers will help control movement of cars and heavy vehicles as they pass through the level crossings, reducing the risk of collisions, fatalities and injuries.

The crossing sites were identified for upgrade based on their relative risk rankings, histories of near misses and advice from the rail operator, V/Line.

The Victorian Government provided more than $1.5 million in funding for the three level crossing upgrades through the Fix Country Crossing Program and the Gippsland Line Upgrade Project.

The upgrades to the crossings follows $11.5 million worth of maintenance and upgrade works on the Gippsland rail line, completed earlier this month.

Quotes attributable to the Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

“This upgrade will make these crossings safer for rail and road users, and the local communities who use them every day.”

“There have been a number of near misses, and this investment will make sure people’s lives aren’t put in danger.”

“Labor is getting to work and investing in public transport across Gippsland and regional Victoria, supporting jobs and growth.”

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