Queensland Rail is going to fix the problems caused by the notorious level crossing on Beenleigh Road at Kuraby by removing it along with level crossings at Woodridge, Bethania, Holmview and Beenleigh.
The removal of the level crossing’s is part of a plan to increase the number of train tracks between Kuraby and Beenleigh from two to four.
It comes after a vehicle struck a boom gate at the Kuraby level crossing on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at 6.56am, with the boom gate being dislodged. The boom arm was reattached at 7.46am. There were short delays of up to 10 minutes in both directions on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines as a result of the incident.
Queensland Rail Head of South East Queensland, Scott Riedel says,“incidents such as these are completely avoidable if everyone follows the road rules, so we’re reminding motorists to obey the signs and signals in place for everyone’s safety”.
Drivers disobeying warning lights at level crossings can be fined $413 and three demerit points.
Motorists who damage rail infrastructure (including boom arms) can be fined up to $1,102 and four demerit points and if the matter goes to court the maximum penalty for causing damage to rail infrastructure is 80 penalty units (approximately $11,028). Motorists can also be pursued for repair costs.
Mr Riedel says “Queensland Rail is committed to level crossing safety through investment in education, engineering upgrades and working closely with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to assist with enforcement “.
“We also have crews and equipment – including spare boom arms – strategically located across our network to respond to any incidents as quickly as possible, as well as processes in place to keep trains moving and limit delays”.
