Pedestrian safety the focus of west rail crossing upgrades

MAJOR safety upgrades to rail crossings throughout Queensland’s south west will kick into full gear this year.

The Queensland Government’s $3 million investment will see pedestrian safety upgraded at eight crossings, building on five recently completed at Pittsworth, Nobby and Warwick.

It joins recent major rail works across the south west including the $28 million West Moreton line upgrade and $77 million upgrade of the Toowoomba rail tunnels.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said crews would now focus their attention on upgrades at

Nicholson St, Condamine St, and Cunningham St in Dalby; North St and Cress St in Toowoomba; Felton Rd in Southbrook; and Oxenham Street and Wallace St in Warwick.

“Southwest Queensland generates more than $19 billion for our state’s economy every year – and the 7,000 trains that travel along this line play a huge role,” Mr Bailey said.

“Making sure that everyone including drivers, freight trains and pedestrians are safe is crucial.”

The upgrades include pedestrian access mazes, concrete pathways, signs, tactile ground surface indictors, tapping rails, and chain link fencing.

Mr Bailey said the upgrade would also inject valuable dollars into the local economy, with Queensland Rail workers staying in local communities while the upgrades occur.

“This means they’ll be spending money on local shops, cafes and restaurants,” he said.

“It’s part of the government’s $14.5 billion for regional roads and transport.”

Works are expected to wrap up by mid-2020, weather permitting.