Date: 2008-05-12
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A key element of the Brumby Government’s action plan to improve level crossing safety is complete with all 200 sets of rumble strips installed across Victoria. Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said rumble strips were an important element of the Government’s level crossing safety package.
(Media-Newswire.com) - A key element of the Brumby Government’s action plan to improve level crossing safety is complete with all 200 sets of rumble strips installed across Victoria.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said rumble strips were an important element of the Government’s level crossing safety package.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to improve level crossing across Victoria and these new safety measures are designed to improve warnings to drivers approaching highway level crossings,” Ms Kosky said.
“Rumble strips were installed at 20 priority sites at the end of last year and VicRoads has now completed work on the remaining 180 sites, on time and on budget.”
Ms Kosky said rumble strips provided drivers with an audible, visual and physical warning that they were about to arrive at a level crossing.
“Drivers will feel and hear the rumble strips as they are slightly raised and will see the rumble strips as reflective paint is also used to highlight the treatment,” she said.
“Experts have tested the design of the rumble strips to ensure they achieve the best results and have also been tested to make sure they are safe for all types of road users, including motorcycle riders.
“In the last two financial years, the safety of 153 road and pedestrian level crossings was upgraded and we are on track to upgrade 46 crossings this financial year.”
The Brumby Government announced a $33.2 million Level Crossing Safety Package in June last year which committed $11.7 million to install rumble strips at 200 level crossings in regional Victoria, and $11.1 million for automated advance warning systems at 53 crossings on both highways and high road traffic volume sites across the state.
Speed limits are being lowered at 72 level crossings across Victoria to warn motorists of nearby rail tracks, giving them more time to react.
The Brumby Government’s Don’t Risk It! awareness campaign is educating people about safety at level crossings.
“I want to remind all Victorians to take care at all level crossings, regardless of their safety features. My message to motorists is just Don’t Risk It!” Ms Kosky said.
Details of the complete level crossings safety strategy can be found at: www.transport.vic.gov.au