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Risks at other acute-angle level crossings on network
Date issue released
Safety Issue Description

More than 100 level crossings in the V/Line regional rail network (including 35 at the intersection of passenger lines and public roads) were non-compliant with the left-side viewing angle requirements of AS 1742.7:2016. These crossings had an acute road-to-rail angle that affected the ability of drivers to sight trains approaching from their left.

Issue number
RO-2016-009-SI-03
Transport Function
Rail: Passenger - regional
Issue Owner
V/Line Pty Ltd
Mode of Transport
Rail
Issue Status Justification

V/Line has reduced the risk associated with several acute road-to-rail level crossings. It continues to implement crossing upgrades and examine options for risk controls at crossings with restricted sighting.

Proactive action
Action number
RO-2016-009-NSA-019
Organisation
V/Line Pty Ltd
Action date
Action Status
Monitor
Action description

Of the 35 level crossings at the intersection of passenger lines and public roads that were non‐compliant with the left‐hand viewing angle requirement:

  • Nine (9) have been upgraded to active (4 Warrnambool, 3 Swan Hill and 2 Bairnsdale)
  • One (1) has restricted access gates (Maryborough)
  • Fifteen (15) are still passive with speed restrictions of no greater than 60km/h (1 on the Warrnambool line (scheduled for upgrade in 2019), 11 Swan Hill, 2 Shepparton and 1 Bairnsdale)
  • Nine (9) are in service without speed restrictions. one will be closed on the loop line at Bungaree, 8 on the Swan Hill line have ALCAM road usage data of no more than 5 vehicles per day, with some impassable by trucks
  • One has been reassessed as compliant with the standard.

V/Line has nominated a further 24 crossings for upgrade with priority given to non-compliant passive crossings above higher ALCAM ranked active crossings.