The ATSB has found it is likely that some passive level
crossings in the Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia
and South Australia that are controlled by 'Stop' signs and are
used by high combined gross mass road vehicles may have deficient
sighting distances.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released a
supplementary report on this potential problem as part of its
continuing investigation into the 12 December 2006 collision
involving The Ghan on the Fountain Head Road level crossing at Ban
Ban Springs, NT.
The Fountain Head Road level crossing signage at Ban Ban Springs
directs road users to stop at the level crossing and to give way to
trains that may be either on or approaching the level crossing at a
line speed of up to 115 km/h. The road intersects the rail line at
90 degrees in a north-south direction with a slight rising grade
for vehicles approaching from the north and with slight road
curvature either side of the level crossing.
While not a factor in The Ghan collision, ATSB investigators
identified that the time taken for larger road trains commonly used
in the Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia and South
Australia to traverse level crossings, and the available sighting
distance, may be a safety issue.
The ATSB organised a timing trial to test the adequacy of the
level crossing sighting distances by measuring a range of clearance
times for the largest road-train combinations which routinely use
the Fountain Head Road level crossing at Ban Ban Springs (and
indeed similar crossings in the NT, and other states).
B+2A Road-Train Combination
Tests conducted on 53.5 m long B+2A road-trains at the Fountain
Head Road level crossing, Ban Ban Springs, found that the
theoretical models used to calculate sighting distance were likely
to be inadequate for the truck configuration tested. It is probable
that sighting distances at other level crossings controlled by
'Stop' signs, used by high combined gross mass road vehicles, may
be similarly deficient and more research is needed to accurately
assess this risk.
Accordingly, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has advised
that State and Territory road transport authorities and rail
regulators should consider the implications of this safety issue
and take action where it is considered appropriate.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from the ATSB's internet
site at
www.atsb.gov.au
Media Contact: 1800 020 616
