Three pedestrian rail crossing upgrades in Longreach are only one step away from completion, as part of a $5.5 million program to improve safety in the West Moreton and Central West systems of regional Queensland.
Queensland Rail Head of Regional Jim Benstead said the upgrades at Kite Street, Jabiru Street and Longreach Airport have been upgraded to include mazes for improved pedestrian safety.
"Three pedestrian intersections are now safer for the Longreach community after being upgraded from simple signage to protection in the form of pedestrian mazes.
"The crossings are currently in use by the community, with the final piece of the construction, the laying of tactile for vision impaired people, to be completed for all three crossings by the 7th of July.
"Community safety is Queensland Rail's top priority and level crossings are regularly reviewed to ensure the appropriate level of protection is in place, including in Longreach where we see freight trains and the twice-weekly Spirit of the Outback service," Mr Benstead said.
"The recently upgraded Kite Street crossing will allow patrons to walk safely from the caravan park to Longreach Showground and also between a new Outback Aussie Tours development, which involves a new rail car to Winton, and Longreach city centre."
"The upgrade at Jabiru Street is providing a safer path for patients and families visiting Longreach Hospital and for students using the crossing to walk to the nearby high school, while visitors and residents are benefiting from the crossing upgrade at Longreach Airport, which is home to the famous Qantas Museum."
Mr Benstead said the Longreach crossings were three of a total 19 pedestrian crossings set to receive upgrades as part of the $5.5 million investment.
"The program will deliver vital safety upgrades at the Ilfracombe Sportsground in July, before moving on to crossings at Wallumbilla, Mitchell, Barcaldine and Toowoomba," he said.
"Queensland Rail is committed to improving level crossing safety through infrastructure upgrades such as these and invests in rail safety education. It's important motorists and pedestrians also play their part, by paying attention to our surroundings and obeying the warning signs in place for everyone's safety."
