Adamstown railway crossing to receive new digital signage

A new $250,000 digital signage system will be installed at the Adamstown railway crossing early next year to alert motorists of long delays. This technology, which will be the first of its kind in the state, uses a wireless communications link between rail-crossing equipment and local traffic signal controllers. When gates are activated for extended periods, electronic signs at strategic approach points, such as the intersections on Bridges Road and Brunker Road, will automatically signal drivers to take alternate routes.

Transport Minister John Graham stated the system aims to provide faster, more reliable journeys and reduce driver frustration. While the digital signage offers a near-term solution, officials noted that the long-term billion-dollar-plus solution, the Lower Hunter Freight Corridor, remains years away. Additionally, calls have been made to review signaling and sequencing issues, such as the arrival of consecutive coal and local trains, that contribute to congestion at the gates.