COMMUNITY feedback is being sought on options to return elements of the old swing style replica rail gates to the Ballarat Station precinct.<\/p>\n
The southern swing gates were destroyed by a train crash in 2020 when they failed to close before a Wendouree bound train crashed into them.<\/p>\n
After that, the level crossing at Lydiard Street North was closed for months before boom gates were installed at the site.<\/p>\n
Now the Department of Planning and Transport are seeking public input for two possible long-term ways of displaying the older style swing gates.<\/p>\n
The two options are placing the replicas of old gates near the level crossing or somewhere else in the station precinct.<\/p>\n
Five solutions were initially considered, but after assessment by specialists three were deemed to not be suitable due to safety and maintenance concerns.<\/p>\n
They included returning the swing gates to a functional state or closing the level crossing permanently and putting the gates on display across the street.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Department of Transport and Planning and V\/Line are dedicated to providing a public transport network that is safe, efficient and accessible, meeting the expectations of the growing population in Ballarat,\u201d said Michael Bailey, regional director Grampians, Department of Transport and Planning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe replica heritage gates are an important piece of Victoria\u2019s rail history and there is a shared commitment to respecting and honouring their future.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why we\u2019re actively encouraging the community to share their views on the safe management of the crossing and a respectful future for the gates.\u201d<\/p>\n
Public feedback will be gathered and presented to Heritage Victoria later this year.<\/p>\n
The gates on the north side remain undamaged and were put into storage with boom gates installed after much waiting in late 2021.<\/p>\n
Over $10.5 million was allocated in last year\u2019s State budget to find a long-term solution to this issue.<\/p>\n