Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model

The Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model (ALCAM) is an assessment tool used to identify key potential risks at level crossings and to assist in the prioritisation of crossings for upgrades.  The ALCAM is used as the principal means of ranking public level crossings for safety improvements funded under the Level Crossing Improvement Program. 

The ALCAM is currently applied in all Australian states, the Northern Territory, and New Zealand, and is overseen by the National ALCAM Committee, which comprises representatives from the various jurisdictions of these countries to ensure its consistency of development and application. ALCAM is managed and supported by the Rail Industry Safety Standards Board (RISSB). Transport represents NSW on the National ALCAM Committee as well as its Technical Sub-Committee and Governance Working Group.  

Transport also fulfils the ALCAM jurisdiction administrator role for NSW; manages the application of ALCAM and its LXM database in NSW; updates and verifies NSW level crossing data; and provides troubleshooting assistance. 

Although it is a comprehensive tool for the assessment of level crossing risks, ALCAM cannot be applied in isolation and does not preclude the need for sound engineering judgement and site specific risk assessment. Any risk assessment and treatment also needs to consider other factors, including but not limited to:

• Collision and near-collision history
• Engineering experience (both rail and road)
• Local knowledge of driver or pedestrian behaviour
• Social and economic assessment
• Standards and international best practice

ALCAM does not provide warrants for upgrades or attempt to define a ‘safe’ or acceptable level of risk.  This is a decision for each jurisdiction and will depend on the standard of existing crossings, upgrade budgets and the level of risk that they are prepared to tolerate.

For more information on ALCAM visit alcam.com.au