Speed limits on the approach to level crossings will be reduced along the Inland Rail route in Parkes and Narromine to improve the safety for motorists.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the speed limit will be reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h on roads approaching level crossings controlled by boom gates and/or flashing lights from Wednesday 28 April.
“Crashes at level crossings have the potential to cause multiple fatalities and have devastating impacts on families and local communities,” Mr Toole said.
“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.
“More than 30 per cent of these crashes occurred at locations where the speed limit was 100 km/h or greater.
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said some trains can take up to 14 football fields, or 1.4 kilometres to stop, which means that even if trains see you, they can’t stop.
“A reduced speed limit reduces the likelihood of a crash and allows drivers more time to react and stop safely at a level crossing,” Mr Saunders said.
New specially designed speed zone signs will be installed about 400 metres from the level crossing at the following locations to remind drivers to slow down and take extra care as they approach:
- Tomingley West Road in Tomingley (Narromine LGA)
- The McGrane Way in Narromine (Narromine LGA)
- Brolgan Road in Parkes (Parkes LGA)
- Henry Parkes Way in Parkes (Parkes LGA)
- Back Trundle Road in Parkes (Parkes LGA)
- Bogan Road in Goonumbla (Parkes LGA)
- Whitton Park Road in Peak Hill (Parkes LGA)
- Bulgandramine Road in Peak Hill (Parkes LGA)
- Coopers Road in Parkes (Parkes LGA)
- Brolgan Road in Parkes (Parkes LGA)
More information on level crossing safety is available on the Transport for NSW website at nswroads.work/speedlimit