New Rail Safety Tech Trial Launched Near Quirindi to Save Lives
Media Release: The Hon Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
Image Credit: Chris Bair
A ground breaking trial of new rail safety technology has officially launched at the Callaghans Lane Level Crossing near Quirindi, marking a major step forward in protecting regional communities from level crossing accidents.
The $1.2 million trial, a joint initiative between the Australian and NSW Governments, Transport for NSW, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), and Rail Safety Systems, features the Rail Active Crossing System (RAXS), a firs-of-its-kind solution designed specifically for rural and remote areas.
How it Works:
The RAXS system transforms a passive level crossing into an active one using:
Wireless train detection
Flashing lights and bells
Solar-powered, modular design
Advanced warning signage
This setup alerts motorists when a train is approaching, significantly improving safety at crossings that previously relied only on static signs.
Why it Matters:
The Callaghans Lane site was chosen due to its tragic history, including a fatal crash in 2023. With over 2,700 level crossings in NSW, and more than 850 of them passively controlled, the need for innovative, cost-effective safety solutions in urgent.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine king said the trial is part of the $180.1 million Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program, which supports infrastructure upgrades and new technologies to reduce fatalities.
What’s Next?
The trial will run through mid-2026, with monitoring in place to assess how drivers respond to the system. Cameras installed for the trial will not be used for enforcement and will be removed afterward.
If successful, the RAXS system could be rolled out more broadly, offering a faster, more affordable way to upgrade regional crossings, potentially activating three sites for the cost of one traditional upgrade.
