MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 15 April 2009 AA119/2009

$2.5 MILLION FOR LEVEL CROSSINGS IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY Work will start immediately on installing new boom gates and other safety measures at three high risk level rail crossings in Alice Springs. Funding for these safety projects will come from the Rudd Labor Government's $150 million Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program - a key element of our $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan. All up, we've allocated $2.5 million to the three projects, all of which are in Alice Springs.  Details of the approved projects are attached. Tragically, about 100 accidents occur at rail crossings every year.  Last year in the Territory, there were 11 near misses and one accident, but thankfully no injuries or deaths. Our investment will bolster the Northern Territory Government's work in upgrading safety at level crossings across the Territory.  It will not only improve road safety but also support local jobs and local businesses during the current global recession. Never before has the Federal Government had a program dedicated to improving safety and preventing accidents at level crossings. Nationally, the Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program will provide $50 million in 2008/09 and a further $100 million in 2009/10 for the installation of boom gates and other safety measures at over 250 level crossings. The projects announced today were identified by the NT Government using a model that takes into account factors such as road and rail traffic volumes; crash history; visibility for motorists and train drivers; and the number of rail tracks at the crossing. The new boom gates and other safety measures are part our $26.4 billion Nation Building Program which is delivering and maintaining vital road and rail infrastructure in every region of Australia. Of this funding, over $590 million will be invested in the Northern Territory - almost double what the previous government spent in the Territory. Media Contacts Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890 Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program Northern Territory Projects Boom Gates - Tasmania - Map [PDF: 358 KB] Location Existing Safety Equipment Proposed Upgrade Espie Street, Alice Springs Old standard lights and bells Upgrade existing equipment and install boom gates Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs Old standard lights and bells Upgrade existing equipment and install four quadrant boom gates Lovegrove Drive, Alice Springs Old standard lights and bells Upgrade existing equipment and install boom gates   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/April/AA119_2009.htm