The Serviceton North Road level crossing has recently been listed as a priority to be upgraded after years of lobbying, joining crossings at Pimpinio and Horsham to be upgraded.

The local community at Serviceton joined forced with the West Wimmera Shire Council and Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, who took the message to the state government.

Ms Kealy said last week that the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) had confirmed that design for the project was underway, with the intention that the existing crossing will be upgraded to have bells, lights and half-width boom gates.

Ms Kealy said that confirmation that this upgrade is going ahead is wonderful news.

“The rail crossing currently has no lights, no boom gates, and the sole warning sign is unlit, making the approach to the rail line very difficult to see at night and impossible to see oncoming trains during heavy fog,” she said.

“I have been proud to support the community in their endeavours over many years including raising the issue in Parliament, numerous media releases and letters to the Minister and relevant departments demanding these important works are undertaken as a priority.”

Work has also recently commenced on the installation of additional warning devices at crossings on Rules West Road at Pimpinio and Geodetic Road at Horsham as part of the Safer Country Crossings Program, which has also seen two pedestrian level crossings improved in Horsham with automatic gates that close when a train is approaching and won’t open until it is safe to cross.