A safer level rail crossing on Callaghans Lane near Quirindi will be delivered following a strong community campaign to improve safety at the crossing.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson recently met with concerned community members following the tragic death of their neighbour.

“Any death on a level rail crossing is a tragedy for families and local communities and we need to do everything we can to make rail crossings safer,” Mr Anderson said.

“A new warning system will now be installed at the Callaghans Lane Crossing which will include flashing lights at the crossing and advance warning signage on the road, which will be automatically triggered by an approaching train.

“Fatalities are preventable, and complacency can be a killer with data revealing one in five drivers are not stopping at level crossings in the regions which is concerning.

“I’m reminding everyone to slow down, be alert, look and listen for oncoming trains, and to be patient at level crossings in our region.

“Following a tragic fatal accident, the local community contacted me deeply concerned about the safety of their crossing, with limited visibility and a growing number of vehicles using the road.

“That’s why, I immediately took the issue to the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads requesting that an urgent upgrade be put in place to warn those who use the crossing regularly.

“I thank the Minister for her quick response to this issue, announcing this upgrade to Calaghan’s Lane, the first in NSW under this program.

“Work is due to get underway soon and locals can expect to see crews on site over the coming months before the new crossing goes live.”