A level crossing at Creamery Road in Albion Park Rail will get a safety boost. Photo: @LightItUp_Now.
Shellharbour’s level crossings are set for much-needed safety upgrades, with $186,000 in State Government funding secured to improve road approaches, lighting, and disability access — particularly at high-risk locations like Albion Park Rail.
It’s a result of the State Government delivering on its commitment to make NSW roads safer and comes as part of $1.17 million in grants being given to NSW councils, benefiting 81 level crossings on council-managed roads.
For Shellharbour, funds will go towards critical minor engineering works and essential safety upgrades at level crossings, including road approaches at Creamery Road and Albion Park Rail.
Works will include upgrading street lighting and kerb ramps, minor kerb and gutter works, as well as installation of new tactile ground surface indicators to improve disability access.
Shellharbour City Council Mayor Chris Homer said the project was focused on making road infrastructure safer for all, highlighting Creamery Road as a key priority given its role as a busy connector for Albion Park Rail amid growing traffic in Shellharbour’s western suburbs.
“That juncture there at Creamery Road has train tracks and it’s a major pinch point as well when people are avoiding the two big roundabouts at Oak Flats,” he said.
“They do take the Industrial Road run to connect up to the main drag on Albion Park Rail.
“It’s a T-intersection and juncture that’s quite busy and if you’re actually trying to cross there, even by foot for residents going to the shopping area, it can get quite dangerous, especially in peak times.
“It’s one of those spots that’s been zeroed in on by the data from staff, and I’m sure it’s met the criteria and metrics from the State Government as well, which is lovely.”
He said the project supported council’s Active Transport Strategy to make town centres and road arteries safer for all users, including e-mobility users.
Member for Shellharbour and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Transport and Roads Anna Watson said she welcomed the announcement Shellharbour City Council was receiving funds from the safety program to upgrade level crossings at Creamery Road and Albion Park Rail.
“As the local member and a proud champion of regional transport and regional roads across NSW, I know these grants will directly benefit the communities I represent,” Ms Watson said.
“These potentially lifesaving projects will address real safety concerns across my local area, including improving disability access.
“It’s exactly the kind of practical infrastructure investment our local community needs to keep people safe on our roads and ensure our crossings are accessible for everyone.”
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the State Government was committed to working in partnership with councils, which manage about 90 per cent of the state’s road network.
“With more than 1300 level crossings located on public roads across the state, collisions between trains and vehicles represent a major road and rail safety risk,” Ms Aitchison said.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many. These infrastructure improvements are another step towards our goal of zero road trauma by 2050.”
She said she was pleased to see so much interest from councils in this practical initiative to make the community safer.
“It’s also important to remember that while infrastructure improvements continue to reduce risk at level crossings, drivers, riders and pedestrians should always take care and obey the road rules each time they encounter a level crossing.”
The funding is delivered through the Level Crossing Improvement Program – Regional Council Minor Works, through which the NSW Government invests $7.3 million annually to upgrade public level crossings and increase awareness through safety education and enforcement campaigns.
Successful projects were determined through a merit-based application process considering key safety data including the Australian Level Crossing Assessment Model (ALCAM) rating and NSW safety incident data.
