The following information explains the background to our level crossings policies.
Number of crossings and types of protectionThere are around 1,390 public road level crossings and 80 stand-alone public pedestrian level crossings on the ONTRACK rail network.
Of the road level crossings, 259 (19%) are protected by half-arm barriers plus flashing lights and bells, about 430 (31%) are protected by flashing lights and bells and the remaining 50% are protected by passive signs alone.
Of the stand-alone public pedestrian crossings, about a third are equipped with automatic alarms - generally flashing signs or flashing lights plus bells.
Road level crossing collisionsOver the last 10 years there were 315 public road level crossing collisions between road vehicles and rail vehicles at 232 different locations - an average of 32 collisions a year.
This figure compares with over 1,800 injury collisions at other road intersections in a typical year. Because railway level crossing collisions are comparatively rare they attract more publicity than a collision at a road intersection.
About 11% of road level crossing collisions occurred where half-arm barriers plus flashing lights and bells were installed. The remaining collisions were split about evenly between crossings protected by flashing lights and bells, and crossings protected by signs alone.
In any 10-year period, 80% of road level crossings happen without incident. A small group of ‘collision black spot’ level crossings, with two or more collisions within 10 years, are responsible for around 50% of all collisions.
Half-arm barriers eliminate around 90% of collisions and flashing lights and bells eliminate about 65% of collisions that would have occurred at a crossing if it had been protected by signs alone.
Pedestrian level crossing collisionsOver the last 10 years there were 35 collisions between pedestrians and rail vehicles at 33 different locations - an average of fewer than 4 collisions a year.
This figure compares with around 900 pedestrian collisions on roads in a typical year. Because railway level crossing pedestrian collisions are so rare they attract more publicity than an equivalent collision on a road.
About 60% of pedestrian level crossing collisions occur at paths alongside public road level crossings. About 75% of pedestrian collisions occur where automatic alarms are installed. About one third of fatal pedestrian collisions are suicides.
Documents containing level crossing standards and policyPublic level crossing protection standards are generally agreed between ONTRACK and Land Transport NZ. Standards of protection and responsibilities are described in the following documents.
- ONTRACK Code G417 Level Crossings
- Land Transport NZ Manual of Traffic Signs and Markings (MOTSAM)
- Land Transport NZ document Road signs and markings for railway level crossings
- The Railways ActPriority for automatic alarms
When prioritising which railway crossings will get flashing light and bell alarms or half-arm barriers, we consider standard criteria. This includes the amount of road and rail traffic, the number of railway tracks to be crossed, and whether views of approaching trains are obstructed.
Early in 2005, we wrote to over 60 roading authorities that have railway level crossings in their areas and asked them to supply the latest road vehicle counts for each of their crossings.
We then compiled a priority list of nearly 100 public road level crossings that warrant the installation of new flashing light and bell alarms or the addition of half-arm barriers. A small number of these crossings, in addition to carrying enough traffic to justify an increase in the level of automatic alarm protection, have also had two to three collisions in the last 10 years.
These ‘collision black spot’ level crossings are at the top of the priority list. We are planning to install around eight new or upgraded alarm systems a year but intend to increase this rate when more resources become available.
The use of a formula-based priority system ensures consistency across the whole ONTRACK network and ensures the upgrading of level crossing protection is not influenced by local pressure groups.
Costs of protectionTypical costs of automatic alarm systems for level crossings are:
- flashing light and bell alarms - $110,000 + GST.
- half-arm barriers plus flashing light and bell alarms - $190,000
- road overbridge to replace level crossing - $5 million.
The installation and maintenance costs of road level crossing alarm systems are shared evenly between ONTRACK and Land Transport NZ via the local roading authority, unless a special agreement applies. ONTRACK does not usually contribute towards the cost of road overbridges or underpasses.
ONTRACK and Land Transport NZ will normally only contribute towards the installation cost of new or upgraded automatic alarms if a crossing is on the priority list. But if a public road level crossing carries sufficient traffic, we may arrange for automatic alarms to be installed if another party, such as a roading authority or property developer, meets the installation cost.
Stand-alone pedestrian level crossing alarm systems are usually funded by the local roading authority.
Standards for road level crossing signsThere are two standards for signs protecting road level crossings not equipped with flashing lights and bells.
- If views of approaching trains are clear in both directions along the track at a distance of 30 metres from the railway track, then a give way sign plus railway crossing sign (cross-buck or St Andrews cross) is installed.
- If views of an approaching train 30 metres from the railway are blocked by a permanent landscape feature, building or road angle, then a stop sign is installed on that side of the railway rather than a give way sign.
Views of approaching trainsThere are two types of view at any level crossing.
Approach viewThis is measured at a point 30 metres from the nearest railway track. It is most important that the approach view is kept clear at level crossings protected by give way signs. But if flashing lights and bells or a stop sign are installed because of a permanent view obstruction, it is not essential that all approach views be kept clear.
Restart view This is the view of an approaching train from a vehicle stopped at the limit lines at a crossing. This view is measured at five metres from the nearest railway track. It is important that the restart view be kept clear at all level crossings not protected by half-arm barriers, and essential that this view be kept clear at crossings protected by stop signs.
If a restart view is permanently obstructed at a crossing protected by stop signs then trains must slow down to allow the train to be in view for a minimum period.
The Railways Act gives ONTRACK the power to require adjacent property owners to remove trees or fences that are obstructing views.
If you notice that the views of a crossing have become obscured, please call ONTRACK.