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Queensland pumps extra funds into technology trials

Queensland Government injects an additional $1 million into technology trials to improve safety at rail level crossings

April 3, 2013

The Queensland Government has pumped an extra $1 million into technology trials to improve safety at rail level crossings across the state.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson says the funds will be spent on trialling new radio and solar-powered technology at five sites by the middle of the year.

He says the technologies have the ability to alert motorists to the presence of oncoming trains to reduce the risk of collisions.

“The three separate types of technology will be trialled at open level crossings located near Gatton, Rosewood, Dalby and between Townsville and Charters Towers,” Emerson says.

“The solar-powered lighting system to be trialled near Gatton and Rosewood will warn motorists of approaching trains by activating flashing lights. At the other sites, there will be two different radio break-in systems trialled.

“One system wirelessly detects the presence of trains and alerts the driver through an announcement via the radio as well as a visual warning while the other system provides an auditory warning only.”

Queensland is banking on the trials to determine what systems are most effective in eliminating collisions, reducing near-misses and minimising the impact of incidents.

The Government previously used a level crossing near Ingham to test valet in-road lights that turn on as a train approaches.

“We still need motorists and pedestrians to do their part and obey the signs and signals to avoid any accidents,” Emerson says.

In 2012, there were 400 reported near misses on the Queensland Rail network, 223 of which occurred in south east Queensland and 177 of which occurred in regional Queensland.

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