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Question On Notice: Lardners Track Level Crossing

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Mr BLACKWOOD -- to ask the Minister for Public Transport: when will boom gates be installed at the Lardner's Track level crossing.



ANSWER:

As at the date the question was raised, the answer is:

The VicTrack Level Crossing Upgrade Program upgrades crossing selected by rail and road safety experts. The selection of crossings for upgrade is not a political process.

As you are aware, road and rail authorities have been in discussion with the local council in relation to this crossing. The advice I have received from road and rail authorities is that boom barriers are not considered appropriate to be installed at the Lardner's Track level crossing due to its proximity to the adjacent highway (approximately 18 metres from track centreline). Boom barriers may increase the accident risk to semi-trailers when either turning in from the highway or leaving the crossing from the side road.
Road and rail authorities have been advised to consider alternative risk mitigation options at the Lardner's Track level crossing which will either eliminate or reduce accident risks as far as reasonably practicable.