The concern related to a rail crossing where the reporter advised that the audible alarm had been switched off
The reporter expressed a safety concern relating to the boom gates at the [location] train depot.
The reporter advised that the audible alarms for the crossing have been switched off for a number of years, which leaves only the flashing lights to alert the public and staff members to a train approaching the crossing.
We can advise the [location] crossing is protected by flashing lights with boom gates. The track has whistle boards on both approaches to the crossing.
This crossing is contained within the operator’s level crossing assessment scheme and is regularly assessed using the ALCAM methodology.
This crossing was last assessed using ALCAM on 5 July 2013. It exceeded the criteria for a level crossing of this design.
The technical aspects of this crossing have again been recently checked and the level crossing circuitry and design does not include audible alarm functionality.
Safety of ourselves and others is our number one priority. Safety is at the core of everything we do. Trackside safety is vitally important for all workers and workers who access the rail corridor are required to have successfully completed SARC (Safely Access the Rail Corridor) training.
It is a legal requirement for road users and pedestrians to comply with level crossing rules and signage.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland investigated this issue and provided the following response:
We have reviewed the limited contents of the safety concern, along with the operator’s response and also viewed the level crossing via google earth.
It appears that the level crossing is fitted with active protection, including boom gates and flashing red lights (RX-5). Additionally, whistle boards are used to ensure trains warn of their approach and there are warning signs for pedestrians.
An ALCAM assessment has been undertaken by the operator, where it appears that the level crossing exceeds the minimum requirements.
Qld rail data indicates that there have been no rail incidents at the pedestrian level crossing in the past 5 years.
Based solely on the information in the report, there is no intention by the Rail Regulation to take the matter further.