The Market Street pedestrian crossing traffic lights do not effectively coordinate with the level crossing equipment. When these lights are operating, vehicles can be forced to queue through the roundabout and thus block traffic that is attempting to exit the level crossing while a train is approaching.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by Wyndham City Council addresses this safety issue.
The Council believes that the pedestrian crossing light is actually linked to the signal located on the eastern approach. Given the signal on the eastern approach is linked to the crossing signal, this means the pedestrian crossing is actually indirectly linked to the crossing signal.
However, council has identified that better light coordination can be achieved at this location by:
As a result of meetings between VicRoads and Council officers, the following changes have already been made:
Council officers have contacted Metro Trains and VicRoads to attain relevant costing information to change the traffic light coordination (to give lesser green for traffic on the eastern approach). Once this information is attained, a business case will be put up by Council officers. Options that are currently being investigated are:
The ATSB is satisfied that the actions taken and proposed by Wyndham City Council will adequately address this safety issue.
Steps have been taken to improve the pedestrian light interface and further actions are under consideration.