Ms Kosky said the level crossing safety improvement works would start within weeks.

“We have moved quickly to implement the new safety measures which 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 the successful contractor, Downer EDI Works, will now work on the remaining 180 sites.

“The contractor will work quickly, with work expected to start in January and finish in May.

“This means that by the middle of the year, 180 additional level crossing sites will be safer.

“Locations for upgrades have been determined following a rigorous analysis including traffic volumes, heavy vehicle patronage and road and train speed limits so money is being invested where road safety benefits can be achieved.”

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 will be slightly raised and will see the rumble strips as they will be installed using reflective paint,” 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.”

The Victorian 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.

For more information about the Victorian Government’s level crossing upgrades program and details of the level crossings to receive rumble strips, visit www.doi.vic.gov.au/transport.