Two more railway crossings in Warrnambool will be fitted with boom gates and flashing lights similar to those recently installed at the Flume (above).
FLASHING lights and boom gates are expected to be installed at two busy Warrnambool rail crossings later in the year.
Transport Minister Terry Mulder has flagged the upgrades for the Mahoneys Road and Deakin University entrance level crossings following consultation with local leaders.
More than $660,000 has already been invested in level crossing upgrade works at the Flume Beach access road as well as Heath Marsh Road near Panmure.
Mr Mulder said the recent installation of boom barriers would greatly improve safety for rail users and train drivers along with motorists and heavy vehicle drivers.
"Each weekday, at least eight trains pass through these level crossings," he said.
"That's six V/Line passenger trains, three each way, as well as the nightly intermodal train in each direction.
"On Saturdays, there are six train movements while on Sunday there are four."
Mr Mulder said Regional Cities Minister Denis Napthine had told him about resident concerns over the lack of boom barriers at the Flume crossing.
He said the boom barriers should significantly reduce near-misses between cars or trucks and trains approaching the beach level crossing.
Dr Napthine said the upgrades would take place later this year to install boom barriers and flashing lights in east Warrnambool along Mahoneys Road and the Deakin University entrance.
"The safety upgrade at Panmure was desperately needed with busy traffic including families and farmers using the level crossing to access arterial roads and the highway," the South West Coast MP said.