Removing level crossings for a safer and more resilient rail network in Queensland

In the past decade, there has been increasing attention in Australia about how best to manage the removal of level rail crossings in areas with concerns around safety, traffic congestion and the liveability of communities becoming more pressing, particularly in suburban settings.

Safety issues have occurred at level rail crossings across Australia with both pedestrians and road users injured or killed. Now, in many locations across the country, programs are underway to remove level crossings to create safer and more efficient transport corridors for communities.

Queensland is one state where the removal of level crossings is in the spotlight. The state, particularly in the south east, has experienced rapid population growth in recent years. With the upwards trajectory set to continue and planning for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics underway, there is an increasing focus on how we can design existing transport infrastructure to cater for communities now and in decades to come.

In this article, our rail experts discuss how removing level crossings in Queensland can create a safer, more efficient, and resilient rail network.

Getting level crossing removals off the ground 

Even when operating as expected, boom gate closures, particularly in suburbia, can significantly increase congestion, making it difficult to move safely and efficiently. On a normal day, the level crossing in Boundary Road, Coopers Plains in Queensland traverses three tracks. Approximately 202 trains pass through in a 24-hour period, creating lengthy peak hour delays for motorists.

The flow of traffic at level crossings is further hampered where incidents, such as an accident, occur. In networks with little resilience, major incidents such as fatalities can result in line closures of six to 12 hours while the situation is resolved.

How removing level crossings creates social value 

There are numerous benefits to road and rail users from removing level crossings, as well as the surrounding community. Positive outcomes include: 

• Improving safety by removing the danger of trains sharing a crossing with vehicles and other users 

• Reducing congestion by eliminating frustrating delays caused by boom gates and allowing more vehicles to pass through 

• Improving travel time reliability by removing uncertainty around when boom gate closures will occur and how long they will be down for 

• Increasing capacity to run more trains on the network, without boom gates delaying vehicles and other users 

• There are also other opportunities to add social value for the community and commuters depending on the chosen design at each site, such as creating new open space, building new shared use walking and cycling paths or commissioning public artwork 

• Increase efficiency and access levels for emergency vehicles such as ambulances that may have otherwise been stopped at crossings. 

Although not planned for, the removal of level crossings can also lead to an uplift in land values as the liveability of an area is enhanced. This can potentially attract more developer funds to improve existing infrastructure.

However, removing level crossings is not without challenges. The process can be costly and disruptive to both the rail and road network. There are also important considerations around environmental impacts, stakeholder engagement and, of course, finding the best solution for each unique level crossing environment.

In short, it’s a complex process that requires an experienced team.

Minimising disruptions is key 

Yuyu Zhang, Technical Executive – Strategic Rail Planning, says that “There is a lot of complexity in minimising construction impacts during live operations and this is particularly important where rail crossings are located in busy rail networks. The impact on rail reliability, capacity and customer experience can be significant if not managed carefully.”

WSP has strong rail operations, modelling and planning experience. Jamie Green, Major Projects Director, explains that the team assesses crossing removals according to a hierarchy of disruption. The solutions – road closure, road over, road under, rail over and rail under – are all examined to find the best fit for each unique level crossing removal.

Considerations of cost are also a factor and solutions can often be multi-faceted with short, medium and long-term phases. This approach enables safety to remain at the forefront, whilst being more cost effective and dynamic in responding to the changing needs of the road and rail networks.

Delivering a holistic approach for better safety and community outcomes 

Kieran Cook, Principal, describes a precinct approach as vital in delivering a successful level crossing removal.

A precinct approach to planning involves moving beyond the scope of removing level crossings for safety. In order to determine the best approach at each site, the current and future needs of the community need to be considered.

Having delivered numerous level crossing removal projects using the precinct approach, Kieran says “It’s about treating it as more than a discrete road rail project. A holistic precinct approach looks at the impacts – because level crossings have massive impacts. They can demarcate suburbs and really separate and isolate the communities within them.”

Existing and future infrastructure must be taken into account. For instance, in the case of nearby a school, how many students currently attend and is this expected to increase? How do they travel to school? Planning around the movement of students at various times of the day would provide long-term benefits for families and fellow commuters.

Ensuring that active transport – such as shared walking and cycle paths – is part of the project can provide people with alternate modes of travel and create healthier communities.

New or upgraded stations can be incorporated into level crossing removal projects. This improves access to public transport and accessibility for people with a disability. Removal of crossings can also assist people with neurodiversity, providing quieter and more seamless transport passages.

Scenario modelling is useful in identifying ways to maximise benefits and establish construction timelines for different options.

One project which used the precinct approach to great effect was recognised by the Rail Technical Society of Australasia for its positive community impact. Not only were nine level rail crossings removed in the tight urban corridor, 22.5 hectares of new parkland was created for local residents. Five new train stations along the line increased accessibility to public transport.

The project team - an alliance in partnership with key stakeholders, ensured that community benefits were prioritised throughout the project, resulting in an open and connected community space.

Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Project | WSP

Other initiatives in rail crossing removal projects in various jurisdictions across Australia include planting native trees and shrubs to enhance biodiversity and prevent soil erosion and weeds, installation of nesting boxes for native wildlife such as possums, lorikeets and rosellas.

At its core, Yuyu says that a precinct approach is people focused, combining connection to services and local facilities with functionality.

Stakeholder collaboration is critical 

Consultation with internal and external stakeholders is a necessary and very important part of any level crossing removal project. Complexities around funding agreements and transport corridors mean that all levels of government are typically involved. In Queensland, some funding is also provided via the SEQ City Deal. Project teams need to develop and maintain robust relationships to ensure collaboration throughout the project.

No less valuable, is the need to engage local communities. This assists in determining current and future needs, and how the removal of the level crossing can leave a positive legacy moving forward.

Taking the time to engage with the community provides useful insights into the needs of its members, and can assist in ensuring that the short and long-term benefits of the level crossing removal can be communicated, as well as how disruption is being minimised throughout the project.

An investment in the future 

Queensland is currently undergoing an exciting transformation. With a burgeoning population and the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, a transport revolution is underway – including the priority removal of key level crossings which will increase safety and enhance liveability for the surrounding communities.

WSP has been engaged to work on the Boundary Road level crossing removal project. Our multidisciplinary team is taking a Future Ready approach that will ensure a positive transport infrastructure legacy for decades to come.