Major upgrades have now been completed at 50 level crossings throughout regional Victoria, including at Princes Highway and Dawson Street Stratford, where boom gates have been installed to work with flashing lights.

State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said rail crossing safety and awareness is important in country areas where train services are infrequent.

“The works mark a significant milestone in the Victorian Coalition Government’s $47 million Fix Country Crossings Program, designed to improve the safety of the state’s railway network for regional road and rail users.  

“The Coalition Government is building a better Victoria and delivering transport improvements that make a real difference to our community,” Mr Bull said.

Minister for Public Transport and Roads, Terry Mulder, said installing boom barrier protection resulted in safer level crossings for country Victorians.

“With frequent V/line trains and freight trains using the line, Victorians will have improved safety at hazardous country crossings and that is what this investment delivers,” Mr Mulder said.

“As well as a safety boost across country Victoria, the program has been an economic boom for regional Victoria.

“The program relies on a skilled workforce with each level crossing upgrade requiring many skilled hands to deliver the safety improvements.”