Narromine will benefit from a trial of new technology to reduce the risk of level crossing collisions between trains and vehicles in regional areas.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the trial at Narromine will evaluate the effectiveness of a stop sign with LED warning lighting on the Dandaloo Road level crossing.
“I’m glad the level crossing at Narromine will be part of a trial to install innovative signs with LED flashing lights to increase and improve awareness and safety at this site,” Mr Saunders said.
“If successful, we could see these rolled out across the electorate, potentially saving more lives, while reducing the stress on train drivers who witness the terrible tragedy of level crossing accidents.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the NSW Government had listened to concerns raised through the community petition led by Maddie Bott.
“Sixty-eight per cent of public road crossings use only stop and give way signs to warn about the presence of a level crossing, and the need to stop to look for trains,” Mr Farraway said.
“Transport for NSW has developed a new strategic direction to help fast track improvements at level crossings which will involve trialling the use of new technology.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the contract has been signed with SAGE Automation at Narromine to install new level crossing signs, with detailed design work already underway.
“Level crossing crashes devastate families and communities, which is why we want to use innovation and technology to help save lives,” Mr Dominello said.
SAGE Automation Smart Cities Lead Ashby Martin said they are very excited to be partnering with the NSW Government to deliver innovative technology to improve safety for regional communities.
“SAGE is passionate about developing new systems to improve road safety in partnership with Transport for NSW and the NSW Government,” Mr Martin said.
The trial is funded through the Digital Restart Fund and will commence later this year, with the data collected used to determine the effectiveness of the new technology.
The trial in Narromine will evaluate the effectiveness of a stop sign with LED warning lighting.
For more information on safety at level crossings, visit: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/level-crossings/index.html