Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the crossings at Delloro Road, Wangaratta and Saxton Street, Numurkah were upgraded to boost safety features as part of the Brumby Government’s commitment to improve safety at level crossings across Victoria.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to build on our record investment in rail safety and both these crossings now feature boom barriers, new, brighter flashing lights and electronic bells, making it safer for motorists, heavy vehicle drivers and train passengers,” Ms Kosky said.

“We are aiming to upgrade 45 level and pedestrian crossings across the state this year as part of our drive to making them safer for all road users.”

Member for Northern Victoria, Kaye Darveniza, welcomed the news that both crossings were upgraded.

“Works at the Delloro Road crossing makes it the second upgrade this month in and around Wangaratta and a number of others in the region over the past 12 months,” Ms Darveniza said.

“The Delloro Road level crossing cost $680,000 and was a complex site to design and build. Works at Saxon Street were completed at a cost of $550,000 and this crossing upgrade now meets full disability access standards with smooth pavement surfaces, new rubber panels across the tracks with tactile markers to assist vision-impaired people, new fencing and signage.

“In the last three financial years we have upgraded 199 road and pedestrian crossings around Victoria.”

Ms Kosky said the upgrade of the crossings were good news for locals and visitors but reminded drivers and pedestrians of their responsibilities.

“We are boosting safety measures at hundreds of level crossings across the state but drivers and pedestrians also have to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others and ensure they use crossings appropriately and obey warning signals,” Ms Kosky said. 

“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!” 

Further information about the Brumby Government’s pedestrian crossing upgrade program can be found at www.doi.vic.gov.au/transport.