Speed limits on the approach to level crossings at Sheepwash Road and Iona Park Road in Calwalla will be reduced to improve the safety for motorists.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the speed limit on Sheepwash Road will be reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h from Wednesday 26 May and the speed limit on Iona Park Road will be reduced from 100 km/h to 60 km/h from Thursday 27 May.
“Crashes at level crossings have the potential to cause multiple fatalities and have devastating impacts on families and local communities,” Mr Toole said.
“Reducing speed limits on approach to these level crossings will improve safety for train drivers, passengers and road users by giving drivers more time to stop when they see the lights flashing or the boom gates lowering.
“From 2001 to 2020, there were 154 crashes between trains and vehicles at level crossings in NSW which resulted in 14 fatalities and 24 serious injuries.
“A reduced speed limit reduces the likelihood of a crash,” Mr Toole said.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said around a third of these crashes occurred at level crossings controlled by boom gates or flashing lights where the speed zone was in excess of 80 km/h.
“Trains can take around 1.4 kilometres to come to a complete stop which means that even if the train driver sees you, it is too late,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“That is why it is so important for motorists to obey signs and signals and not rush to the other side.”
Static message signs will be in place to advise motorists of the changed traffic conditions, and road users are asked to keep an eye out for the changes and follow the directions of signs.
For more information visit https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/levelcrossings/index.
WENDY TUCKERMAN 