Survey Of Crossings Near Completion

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31768, 27 August 1968, Page 28

Survey Of Crossings Near Completion

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, August 26.

The nation-wide survey of level crossings was more than 90 per cent completed, the assistant general manager (engineering) of Railways (Mr H. Purchase) said today.

“As the survey progressed agreement has been reached on improvements to visibility, resiting of signs, road

markings, and the relocation or possible closing of some crossings,” he said. Action on these matters was taken locally as soon as possible after the inspection of each crossing. Mr Purchase said that the survey, begun in 1967, was being made by representatives of the Railways Department, Transport Department, the National Roads Board, automobile associations, reading authorities, and the Locomotive Engine-drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners Association.

Only a few crossings in central Southland and some on the West Coast remained to be examined.

“When the survey has been completed the priority of each crossing for the provision of new or additional warning devices will be reviewed,” Mr Purchase said. Factors taken into consideration included the volume of rail and road traffic over the crossings—with particular reference to school bus movements—and the views of approaching traffic.