NSW Plans Active Level Crossing Upgrade at Mary Gilmore Way in Bribbaree
The New South Wales Government has begun planning a major safety upgrade to the level crossing at Mary Gilmore Way in Bribbaree, with the aim of reducing collision risks on the regional road. The project will convert the existing passive crossing into an active one featuring automated safety infrastructure. While design work progresses, Transport for NSW is also introducing interim road safety measures and exploring emerging technologies to improve driver awareness and reduce the likelihood of serious incidents.
According to a ministerial release from the NSW Government, the proposed upgrade would introduce retro‑reflective boom gates, LED flashing lights, warning bells and improved signage. These measures are intended to provide clearer warnings to motorists, freight operators and local communities who regularly use the road.
From Passive to Active Level Crossing Infrastructure
The planned upgrade would transform the current passive crossing—where drivers rely primarily on signage—into an active crossing with automated warning systems. The change is designed to reduce the risk of collisions between road vehicles and trains, particularly on regional routes that carry freight traffic.
Design work is being jointly funded by Transport for NSW and the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). Completion of the design phase is expected by the end of the 2025 to 2026 financial year. Once finalised, the upgrade is planned to be delivered by ARTC under Transport for NSW’s Level Crossing Improvement Program, with construction timing to be determined following completion of other projects funded through the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund.
Interim Measures to Improve Driver Awareness
While planning for the long-term upgrade continues, Transport for NSW is implementing several immediate measures to reduce risk on the approach to the crossing. These include installing rumble strips, reviewing the placement and size of advanced warning signs, and investigating photoluminescent road markings, sometimes referred to as glow road technology, to improve visibility at night.
The crossing already features Augmented Stop Signs and Advance Warning Signs installed in 2023 as part of a technology trial. The solar-powered system uses radar to detect approaching vehicles and activates flashing LED lights on roadside signs to alert drivers. Early results indicate improved driver behaviour, with more motorists stopping or significantly slowing compared with static signage alone.
Transport for NSW is also examining potential hardware upgrades to the system so it can make use of emerging machine learning capabilities. Similar approaches using data and sensors are increasingly being deployed in Australian transport infrastructure, including initiatives such as real-time sensors improving heavy vehicle safety and real-time bridge monitoring for safer Victoria roads, which support faster responses to safety risks.
Safety Concerns on Regional Roads
Level crossing incidents remain a significant safety concern across regional rail networks. ARTC manages more than 1,500 level crossings across New South Wales, many located on roads used by both local traffic and freight vehicles.
“Level crossing crashes can have devastating consequences for regional communities, which is why the Minns Labor Government is getting on with the work needed to improve safety at crossings across the state.” — Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport
Minister Aitchison said the government had begun design work on the major upgrade while also implementing practical interim improvements. These include rumble strips, improved signage and exploration of glow road technology to help reduce risks before the active crossing is constructed.
“ARTC manages more than 1,500 level crossings in NSW and we know the risks they can pose, particularly on regional roads. Tragically, level crossing incidents remain the leading cause of railway-related fatalities involving members of the public.” — Heather Parry, Director Infrastructure Projects, ARTC
Community representatives have also welcomed the planned improvements, noting the risks posed by the crossing to both road and rail users. Local authorities say the combination of interim safety measures and longer-term infrastructure upgrades should help reduce the likelihood of serious incidents while maintaining safe transport links for the region.
