Safety for motorists and train passengers in Victoria’s west has been boosted following upgrades to the Princes Highway level crossing in Heathmere thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said works to install new boom gates, bells and flashing lights at the level crossing were aimed at preventing serious collisions between motorists and freight trains between Maroona and Portland.
The upgrades were completed by V/Line last month after five weeks of civil works including trenching, a week of electrical works and two days of testing and commissioning.
The Heathmere section of the Princes Highway carries a number of heavy haulage trucks, which pass through the crossing each day.
The works form part of a number of crossings being upgraded across Victoria from static signs or flashing lights only to lights, bells and boom gates, boosting safety for motorists, pedestrians and train passengers at regional level and pedestrian crossings.
This crossing was prioritised for upgrades based on risk factors, particularly along train lines that carry passenger trains or roads with a high number of heavy vehicles.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“We’re upgrading dangerous and high-risk level crossings along the rail network, because we want to make near misses and collisions with trains a thing of the past.”
“New boom-gates and lights will make it easier for drivers to see the level crossing when trains approach, boosting safety for the hundreds of motorists that rely on this section of the Princes Highway every-day.”