$28 million in funding has been allocated to the NSW Government under the first round of the Australian Government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF).
The Australian Government announced in August last year a commitment of $160 million over four years to state and territory governments to fund up to 50 per cent of the cost of delivering railway crossing upgrades.
As part of the first round of RLCUF funding, the $28 million received by the NSW Government will go towards a program of work across the state’s regional road network and be delivered in partnership with rail infrastructure managers.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the NSW Government will match investment made by the Australian Government under the RLCUF.
“We’re matching the federal funding injection and the additional investments we’re making are absolutely crucial because they will improve safety in regional communities and help save lives,” Minister Aitchison said.
The proposed list includes 23 priority projects for railway crossing improvements across nine electorates covering a large area of regional NSW.
These upgrades include the installation of retro-reflective boom gates, audible warning devices, updated signage and LED flashing lights increasing the visibility of crossings on both sides of the roadway in response to approaching trains.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King highlighted the safety benefits for road and rail users through increased government investment.
“This funding is part of the broader Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program (RALCSP), which is investing $180 million to deliver a coordinated and holistic approach to improving railway crossing safety across the country,” Minister King said.
“The RALCSP also invests in education and awareness activities on how to behave safely around railway crossings, improved data and risk assessments, along with research and trials to promote low-cost, innovative safety solutions.”
Round two of funding will open on September 27 2024. More information on the RLCUF can be found here.