At about 0217 on Thursday 12 November 2009, train ST22, an XPT passenger service, was being routed into No.1 Platform Road at Cootamundra, New South Wales. The driver of the XPT received a Medium Turnout indication on signal CA74 signifying that the route into No.1 Platform Road was set and unobstructed. Shortly after passing over the Gundagai Road level crossing and traversing 136 points set into No.1 Platform Road, the driver of the XPT observed the last wagon of freight train 4MB7, located on the Up Main line, was obstructing the path of his train. He applied the train brakes and stopped just short of train 4MB7.

The driver of the XPT immediately contacted the network controller and advised him of the problem. Shortly thereafter the freight train was moved forward, at the request of the network controller, to clear a path for the XPT into No.1 Platform Road.

The investigation determined that a signalling system design error allowed signal CA74 to be cleared for the passage of the XPT even though the route into No.1 Platform Road was obstructed by the last vehicle of freight train 4MB7 which was stationary on the adjacent Up Main line.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has determined that actions taken by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) should mitigate the risk of a similar occurrence but has identified further issues relating to signal design, installation and commissioning where further action may enhance the strategies already put in place by the ARTC.

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Preliminary report released 4 December 2009

At about 0217 on Thursday 12 November 2009, train ST22, an XPT passenger service, was being pathed into the 'Platform Road' at Cootamundra, NSW. The driver of the XPT received a 'PROCEED' indication on signal CA74, signifying that the line into the Platform Road was clear. Shortly after passing over 136B points set reverse, the driver of the XPT observed the last wagon  of freight train 4MB7 to be obstructing the path of his train. He made an emergency brake application and stopped his train just short of train 4MB7.

The driver of the XPT immediately contacted the ARTC Network Controller and advised of the problem. Shortly thereafter, the freight train was moved forward to clear a path for the XPT into the Platform Road.

Preliminary investigation of the event has determined that a signalling design irregularity affecting the 'Up Main Line' at Cootamundra allowed signal CA74 to be cleared for the passage of the XPT even though the route was obstructed by the last wagon of train 4MB7.

Safety Actions for this investigation

Safety Issues for this investigation