Improved Railway Road Design for Heavy Vehicles

Thursday, August 24, 2017 - 15:30

This report identifies road design improvements to better cater for the safe passage of heavy vehicles through railway level crossings.

Crashes involving heavy vehicles have been identified as a major safety issue in Australia and New Zealand with the volume of heavy vehicles expected to significantly increase over the next five to 10 years.

An analysis of heavy vehicle crashes at railway level crossings across Australia and New Zealand found that many locations did not have warning signs installed to the standards at the time of the crash, sight distances for approaching vehicle drivers were obstructed by development on abutting properties or vegetation, and delineation was poorly maintained.

Several opportunities for improvements were identified, principally to guidance on applying the sight lines and sight distances for a range of approaches, particularly on curved roads. Other improvements suggested include the addition of a short stacking warning sign and improving delineation by having all road approaches sealed to enable pavement markings, such as RAIL X and edgelines.

The report can be downloaded for free after registering on the web site:  https://www.onlinepublications.austroads.com.au/items/AP-R549-17

 


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