rail | December 15, 2022
Serviceton North railway crossing upgrade derailed
After years of lobbying by the local community and despite a commitment from the Andrews Labor Government in 2019 that the Serviceton North Road railway crossing had been listed as a priority for upgrade, the timeframe for completion of the project has now blown out to 2023.
Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has been formally advised of the revised timeframe following a letter to the Minister for Public Transport in May seeking confirmation of a completion date for the project.
The Minister’s response, dated 31 October 2022, advised that the design for the North Serviceton Road crossing “will be progressed toward delivery, which at this stage is anticipated in 2023”.
The rail crossing currently has no lights or boom gates, and the sole warning sign is unlit, making the approach to the rail line very dangerous – particularly at night – and impossible to see oncoming trains during heavy fog.
Ms Kealy said the Australian Rail Track Corporation had confirmed with her office in October 2019 that the project was under design, with the intention that it be upgraded to a bells, lights and half boom gates crossing.
“I have been proud to support the community in their endeavours over many years including raising the issue in Parliament and writing numerous media releases and letters to the Minister and relevant departments demanding these important works are undertaken as a priority,” Ms Kealy said.
“It is simply unacceptable that here we are three years after the project was listed as a ‘priority project’ and still no action has been taken to complete these important safety upgrades for the local community.
“I will not allow Labor to forget that rural and regional Victoria exists, and I will not rest until these important upgrades are completed for the safety of all road users.”
