Western level crossingsget upgrades

FIVE level crossings to Ballarat’s west are to be upgraded under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund partnership between the State and Federal governments.

Eight million dollars has been allocated to the City of Ballarat to improve the safety of the Dowling Road and Draffins Road crossings at Cardigan, Powells Road and Carpenter Road crossings at Windermere, and Burrumbeet Road at Burrumbeet.

Boom gates and axle counters will be installed at each crossing with an aim of boosting driver and pedestrian safety, and reducing and preventing serious and fatal accidents.

“Country level crossings can be dangerous places for motorists, pedestrians and train drivers,” state Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said.

“These upgrades will make such a difference to the people who drive through these level crossings every day. I’m really proud to be delivering these upgrades in partnership with the Albanese Government.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, and the Member for Ballarat, Catherine King said the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund will benefit communities across the state.

“From Swan Hill to Gippsland, this funding is supporting upgrades like boom gates, signage, flashing lights and rumble strips, to better alert motorists and pedestrians approaching regional railway crossings,” she said.

“We will continue to work with the Victorian Government to make level crossing safer across the state.”

State Minister for Transport Gabrielle Williams expects the upgrades will save lives.

“There’s nothing more important than getting home safe – that’s why we are making the necessary investments across the state,” she said.

“It’s great to have a partner in Canberra that knows where Victoria is on a map and invests in critical infrastructure that people rely on every day.”