The Minns Labor Government has started design work on a proposed major safety upgrade of the level crossing at Mary Gilmore Way, Bribbaree, south of Grenfell, while interim improvements will also be delivered on the road approach to the crossing.
The proposed upgrade would transform the crossing from a passive crossing into an active one, delivering new retro-reflective boom gates, updated signage, LED flashing lights and warning bells to better protect motorists, freight operators and local communities using this important regional road.
Starting design work now will allow construction of the active crossing infrastructure to be fast tracked once the remaining 19 high priority projects under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund are completed.
While design and development work for the proposed major upgrade progresses, the Minns Labor Government is also delivering practical interim safety improvements on the road approach to the Mary Gilmore Way crossing.
These improvements include installing rumble strips and investigating photoluminescent line markings, known as glow roads technology, to improve visibility for drivers approaching the crossing.
Transport for NSW will also review the size and placement of advanced warning signage and increase it where appropriate.
Until the crossing is upgraded to an active crossing, Transport for NSW will retain the existing Augmented Stop Signs and Advance Warning Signs system and investigate upgrades to its hardware so it can take advantage of emerging machine learning technologies.
The Augmented Stop Signs and Advance Warning Signs technology was installed in 2023 as a trial. It uses radar to detect approaching vehicles, activating flashing LED lights on stop signs at the crossing and advance warning signs on the road approach.
The solar powered system provides an additional visual warning for drivers and has already resulted in a marked improvement in the number of motorists stopping or significantly slowing compared with static signage alone.
Transport for NSW and the Australian Rail Track Corporation are jointly funding the design work for the proposed upgrade to an active crossing. Designs are expected to be completed by the end of the 2025 to 2026 financial year.
The proposed upgrade would then be delivered by ARTC under Transport’s Level Crossing Improvement Program, with construction timing to be determined once the current program of upgrades under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund is complete.
Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community updated as work progresses.
Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:
“Level crossing crashes can have devastating consequences for regional communities, which is why the Minns Labor Government is getting on with the work needed to improve safety at crossings across the state.
“The community has been clear that Mary Gilmore Way at Bribbaree needs attention, and I thank Weddin Shire Council for its strong advocacy on behalf of local residents.
“We have started design work on a proposed major upgrade that would deliver boom gates, flashing lights and bells, transforming this crossing from a passive crossing into an active one.
“Importantly, we are not waiting for the long-term upgrade before taking action. We are also delivering practical interim improvements on the approach to the crossing, including rumble strips, improved signage and investigating glow road technology.
“By combining targeted infrastructure upgrades with new technology, the Minns Labor Government is working to make this crossing safer and help prevent serious crashes on regional roads.”
Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence said:
“People in our region know how dangerous this crossing can be, and they deserve to feel safe every time they travel through it.”
“This is exactly the kind of practical investment regional communities need, getting on with the job of improving safety while planning for the long term.”
“Upgrading this crossing from passive to active will make a real difference, but it’s just as important that interim measures are being rolled out now to reduce risk immediately.”
“Regional roads carry a heavy toll when it comes to serious crashes, and targeted upgrades like this are critical to turning that around.”
Mayor of Weddin Shire Council, Paul Best said:
“I am extremely pleased to see that further risk mitigation measures are being organised until a permanent solution is delivered.
“Given the serious risk this crossing presents to both road users and rail operators, seeing this matter being attended to is welcomed.
“I would like to thank members of the community who have advocated for improvements to level crossings in our region.
“This is welcomed news.
“I would also like to thank ARTC and Transport for NSW for working together with Council on this, to make it safer for our community.”
Director Infrastructure Projects, ARTC, Heather Parry said:
“ARTC manages more than 1,500 level crossings in NSW and we know the risks they can pose, particularly on regional roads. Tragically, level crossing incidents remain the leading cause of railway-related fatalities involving members of the public.
“Trains cannot stop quickly, especially when carrying heavy loads, which is why upgrading Mary Gilmore Way from a passive to an active crossing is such an important safety improvement.
“We are proud to partner with Transport for NSW to help deliver safer outcomes for the Bribbaree community and all road and rail users.”