Safety issue

Safety issue description

More than 100 level crossings in the V/Line regional rail network (including 35 at the intersection of passenger lines and public roads) were non-compliant with the left-side viewing angle requirements of AS 1742.7:2016. These crossings had an acute road-to-rail angle that affected the ability of drivers to sight trains approaching from their left.
Issue number RO-2016-009-SI-03
Issue owner V/Line Pty Ltd
Transport function Rail: Passenger - regional
Date issue released 21/05/2019
Issue status justification

V/Line has reduced the risk associated with several acute road-to-rail level crossings. It continues to implement crossing upgrades and examine options for risk controls at crossings with restricted sighting.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number RO-2016-009-NSA-019
Organisation V/Line Pty Ltd
Action date 21/05/2019
Action description

Of the 35 level crossings at the intersection of passenger lines and public roads that were non‐compliant with the left‐hand viewing angle requirement:

  • Nine (9) have been upgraded to active (4 Warrnambool, 3 Swan Hill and 2 Bairnsdale)
  • One (1) has restricted access gates (Maryborough)
  • Fifteen (15) are still passive with speed restrictions of no greater than 60km/h (1 on the Warrnambool line (scheduled for upgrade in 2019), 11 Swan Hill, 2 Shepparton and 1 Bairnsdale)
  • Nine (9) are in service without speed restrictions. one will be closed on the loop line at Bungaree, 8 on the Swan Hill line have ALCAM road usage data of no more than 5 vehicles per day, with some impassable by trucks
  • One has been reassessed as compliant with the standard.

V/Line has nominated a further 24 crossings for upgrade with priority given to non-compliant passive crossings above higher ALCAM ranked active crossings.
Action status Monitor