A busy level crossing on the Newell Highway near Parkes is receiving a safety upgrade thanks to the NSW Government-funded Level Crossing Improvement Program.
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From 6am this Wednesday, March 11, to 6am Thursday, March 12, works will be carried out to the Newell Highway level crossing at Tichborne, between Parkes and Forbes.
Tichborne level crossing is a busy road and rail crossing, seeing around 4000 vehicles per day of which nearly 1000 are heavy vehicles.
The level crossing will be upgraded from flashing lights to new high intensity LED flashing lights and retro-reflective boom gates.
Decommissioning of old equipment, installation of new predictive track circuitry and testing of the new safety systems will be part of the work taking place this week, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has said.
"We are asking motorists to take care and be patient while the works are taking place this week as the new equipment is being installed and tested," ARTC's General Manager Asset Management Brian Green said.
Transport for NSW is investing $990,000 into the project being delivered by Wabtec on behalf of the ARTC - which is focused on improving safety at the more than 1400 public road level crossings across NSW.
"Level crossings between trains and vehicles are a major road safety risk, and while these safety upgrades are important, it is also essential that motorists take care around all level crossings," Mr Green said.
"The majority of level crossing accidents are due to errors by motorists, so we ask all drivers to take care and don't take risks at level crossings.
"Common risky behaviour can include ignoring warning lights and signs, speeding or being distracted by using mobile phones while driving."
Upgrade locations funded by the level crossing improvement program are identified through a risk-based, prioritised ranking approach using the Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model, a review of NSW safety incident data and consultation with road and rail infrastructure managers.
Transport for NSW will also invest $990,000 to improve the Welcome level crossing between Parkes and Forbes, near Hideaway Lane, later this month.
Welcome crossing is also receiving new boom gates and upgraded lights and bells, with works taking place on Monday and Tuesday, March 30 and 31.
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