A safety upgrade to a level crossing at Pirron Yallock that was the site of a collision between a train and a truck last month has been completed, however, a close call is reported to have taken place at the site on Wednesday after a driver ignored the new safety measures.
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The Phalps Road crossing has had boom gates, bells and flashing lights installed.
Nineteen people were injured in the crash and an investigation into the July 13 incident is ongoing.
“The safety of passengers is always our first priority,” Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said.
“We need to do all we can to help ensure every person who drives through this crossing can do so safely — that’s why this upgrade is so important.”
The crossing had been earmarked for an urgent upgrade by the state government in February last year as part of its $50 million Safer Country Crossings program, which aimed to improve safety at 52 roads and level crossings.
Western Victoria MP Gayle Tierney urged people to be safe and said that on Wednesday a train driver reported a near miss with a truck at the Phalps Road crossing.
“The driver ignored the warning signs and drove around active boom gates,” Ms Tierney said.
“We are asking pedestrians and motorists to respect all warning signs and to never cross the tracks when a train is approaching.”
In order to upgrade the Phalps Road crossing, electrical power was installed before engineering and signalling works took place. The installation of the level crossing equipment was then completed.
A level crossing upgrade at Sandys Lane in Gnotuk is due to be finished by the end of the year, and works at the site have already begun.
Last month The Standard reported 33 of the 94 level crossings between Geelong and Warrnambool were only fitted with give way or stop signs.
