New South Wales implements level crossing safety upgrades and police patrols

New South Wales is implementing safety measures to reduce accidents at railway level crossings through infrastructure upgrades and increased police enforcement.

Transport for NSW announced that 23 level crossings across the state will undergo upgrades under the NSW Level Crossing Improvement Program and the Australian Government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund. These improvements include the installation of boom gates, flashing lights, audible warnings, and enhanced signage. High-priority locations include Brocklehurst, Maryvale, and Wellington, with seven priority crossings scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

In a parallel safety effort, NSW Police have launched a two-week campaign in the Upper Hunter region from September 14 to 25. Officers will patrol five specific crossings to target unsafe driver behavior. This initiative follows data showing 70 collisions and over 1,200 near misses involving trains, vehicles, and pedestrians across the state since July 2016, resulting in 10 fatalities.