The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s commitment to remove more level crossings to improve safety outcomes for passengers and the community.

ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said projects to remove level crossings were saving lives.

“These are life saving projects that improve safety on and around the network for years to come,” Ms Wilkie said.

“Victoria has removed an average of one level crossing every four weeks this year, which is a huge investment in the long term safety of its communities.

“The projects will also streamline rail operations on the network and reduce congestion on the road.”

Ms Wilkie said the continued rollout of the level crossing removal project had been an essential part of keeping Victoria’s economy moving through the pandemic.

She commended the many rail workers that kept projects safely operating in changing times.

“The delivery of these projects has been hugely important over the last year and the industry has worked extremely hard to ensure safe and efficient operations on every site,” Ms Wilkie said.

About 30 injuries and 2000 near misses occur at level crossings or as a result of trespass in Australia each year.

Work is currently underway on 20 level crossing sites across Melbourne, with 46 level crossings removed since 2016.

Construction on a further 10 level crossing removal projects will begin by 2022.

The project has created 5000 jobs and is expected to see 85 level crossings removed by 2025.

Level crossing safety will be among the issues highlighted during Rail Safety Week from 9-15 August, with the community asked to STAND BACK. LOOK UP. STAY RAIL SAFE.

ENDS