TasRail secures $5 million for Level Crossing upgrades as Rail Safety Week marks 20 years

Under the Australian Government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF), TasRail has secured $5 million for a significant program of safety upgrades across the State. The Australian Government has committed $4 million to the Tasmanian works, with a further $1 million co-investment from the State
Government.
“We thank the Australian and Tasmanian governments for their support on this important issue, highlighting to the community that rail safety matters,” TasRail CEO Steven Dietrich said
The funding announcement comes at a critical time. In 2024-25, reported instances of motorists failing to stop or give way at level crossings in Tasmania more than doubled, rising to 137 incidents from 68 the previous year. Every region - North, Northwest and South - has seen a sharp increase in road user non-compliance. Two
collisions also occurred during the reporting period.
“Level crossing incidents are traumatic for our locomotive drivers, emergency services, and local communities,” Mr Dietrich said.
“This new funding will help us take real steps toward reducing the risk at key locations - but we also need all road users to do their part.”
Ulverstone will be a major beneficiary of the current round of funding, with five active level crossings in the area scheduled for engineering upgrades. The works will
include:

• 5 active crossing upgrades (Ulverstone - Main Street, Reibey Street, Buttons Avenue, Alexandra Parade, Water Street)
• 3 augmented stop sign installations at passive level crossings (Picnic Point Road in West Ulverstone, and two at Westbury)
• 3 yellow box marking installations where vehicle queuing risks exist (Ulverstone - Reiby Street, Main Street, and Hobbs Parade)

Additionally, a passive crossing at Oonah Road on the Melba Line will be upgraded to an active crossing, with lights and bells replacing current signage.
TasRail, in partnership with Tasmania Police and emergency services, continues to prioritise enforcement and education around level crossings.
“Trains can’t swerve, and they can’t stop quickly,” Mr Dietrich said.
“The signs and signals at level crossings are there to save lives. This week - and every week - we’re asking Tasmanians to take those extra seconds to stop, look, and listen.”
Rail Safety Week runs from 11 to 17 August 2025. More information is available HERE 

Crossings of concern:
Main Street, Ulverstone; Hoblers Bridge Road, Newstead; Reibey Street, Ulverstone;
Reeves Street, Burnie, Stoney Rise Road, Devonport.