Safety Recommendation
The ATSB recommends that the Australian Rail Track Corporation improve communications with Genesee & Wyoming Aust. Pty. Ltd. and the Coorong District Council in relation to the inspection and maintenance of level crossings, including the development of a formal 'Level Crossing Interface Agreement' that adequately addresses their specific responsibilities and requirements of AS 4292.113 Section 7 - Interface Management.
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13. The ARTC/GWA and the CDC should liaise with the SA Department for Transport, Energy & Infrastructure's Level Crossing Unit (LCU) regarding design and maintenance strategies that are available for reducing the road/rail interface risk at level crossings and to gain assistance with the assessment of options using the ALCAM. Upgrading the crossing to active protection is unlikely to be a realistic option at this location as the crossing was identified as a medium priority on the LCU priority list. However, the LCU should undertake a review in light of the accident and ensure the CDC is fully aware of appropriate risk mitigation strategies that can be implemented to minimise the road/rail risk at this location.