Railway crossings, due to their high risk profile, have an increasing national focus and particular interest with the National Rail Safety Regulator. The Railway Crossing Policy issued by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator in 2016 articulates the Regulator’s vision of no new railway crossings and a reduction in the number of railway crossings across the country.

DIT’s Railway Crossing Safety Strategy identified a range of strategies to improve safety at railway crossings in the Adelaide metropolitan area, including infrastructure safety improvements and identifying pedestrian crossings for possible closure where safer alternatives exist nearby. Outcomes of consultation on the draft strategy suggested that there was generally high support for these strategies.  The Seaford line is being addressed due to electric trains travelling relatively quietly and at high speeds as well as other safety considerations specific to each location.  Other Adelaide Metro lines will be investigated into the future.

A number of pedestrian crossings along the Seaford line have been identified either for upgrade, review or closure.  These proposals have been identified by assessing a wide range of factors, including safety risk profiles, pedestrian counts, proximity to safer, alternative crossings, crossing history and technical data.  Upgraded crossings will include automatic gates, new mazeways and upgraded lighting.

Residents and businesses who will be directly affected by these activities will receive advance notice prior to the commencement of works.

The project will provide improved safety for pedestrian crossing users on the Seaford rail line whilst maintaining community connectivity. The associated benefit will include safer pedestrian crossings, reduced waiting times, improved accessibility and increased line speeds where opportunities exist. There will be no impact to passenger rail services as a result of the construction process.

Railway crossings, due to their high risk profile, have an increasing national focus and particular interest with the National Rail Safety Regulator. The Railway Crossing Policy issued by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator in 2016 articulates the Regulator’s vision of no new railway crossings and a reduction in the number of railway crossings across the country.

Pedestrian crossings pose an ever present rail safety risk as there is significant and constant opportunity for interaction between trains and pedestrians.

There are in excess of 700 pedestrian and road level crossings on active lines in South Australia. Many are equipped with active controls such as flashing lights and boom gates but some will only have passive signs such as 'stop' or 'give way' signs.  Regardless of the level of safety warning devices, pedestrian crossings must be approached with care at all times.

An Adelaide Metro train travelling at 90 km/h on a dry track needs about 420 metres to stop. This distance is over twice the length of a football oval.

Residents and businesses who will be directly affected by these activities will receive advance notice prior to the commencement of works.

Pedestrian crossings identified for upgrade will see the installation of automatic gates, new mazeways and upgraded lighting.  Trains will still be required to sound their horns when approaching the pedestrian crossing.

Works will commence on selected pedestrian crossings along the Seaford line in the 2017-18 financial year.

Should you have any further enquiries, please telephone 1300 794 880 or email DIT.CommunityRelations@sa.gov.au