NSW Government Response to Adamstown Level Crossing Report
Following concerns about traffic waiting times at the Adamstown level crossing in 2007, the Government announced a study into ways to address the problem (1.87 Mb PDF).
Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) was commissioned by RailCorp to undertake the study, which included:
- A review of the level crossing operating times
- Identification of factors influencing level crossings warning times
- Operations of level crossings in conjunction with railway signalling; and
- Investigating options to control traffic queuing back from the crossing.
The report presents twelve options for improving traffic flow and mitigating the effect of vehicular queuing, which covered two types of improvements:
- Changes in road traffic operations which could be made to reduce delays on Glebe Road for motorists after passing through the crossing, and the potential for queues at nearby intersections to extend through the crossing; and
- Rail system improvements to mitigate the extended closure times of the level crossing.
RailCorp and the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) have considered the options presented in the Report.
RailCorp has adopted rail options 1, 4 and 6 which involve signalling changes and a change to permitted train speeds and expects to advise on the timing of these changes in May 2009. RailCorp will also convert the crossing from manual to automatic operation, subject to completion of a risk study to ensure that the safety of the crossing is not compromised by the change. This study will commence in the second half of 2009.
Related to the first three road options the RTA will examine the feasibility of coordinating traffic signals with the railway level crossing boom gates to improve traffic flow at the intersections of Glebe and Brunker Roads and St James and Bridges Road, noting however the scope to amend traffic signals is limited due to potential affects on Bridges Road and Brunker Road. The RTA will also initiate discussions with Newcastle City Council, the road authority for Glebe Road, on the options covering improved lane utilisation.
