Transport Department reveals 31 highest risk level crossing

These are the rail crossings the State Government says pose serious risks – and bring the most headaches – to motorists. See the map.

The SA Government has released a list of level crossing it says pose the highest risk and cause the most delays.

There are more than 30 rail crossings across South Australia that are posing serious risks to motorists, the State Government has revealed.

The SA Transport Department has released a list of 31 level crossings that pose the “highest risk” to road users and cause the most delays.

There are eight high-risk crossings on the Gawler train line and seven on the Seaford route.

Dangerous crossings have been identified across a range of suburbs including Unley Park, Dry Creek, Salisbury, St Clair, Seaton and Edwardstown.

The government also labelled four tram crossings on the Glenelg line at Goodwood, Plympton Park and Morphettville as high risk.

Infrastructure Australia – the sector’s independent advisory body – recently added the removal of Adelaide crossings on its latest priority list, in a move welcomed by Transport Minister Corey Wingard.

“We’ve already committed to grade separations at the Hove and Ovingham level crossings and we’re now working to prioritise future projects on the list,” he said.

There are 127 level crossings in Adelaide.

Some are closed to traffic for up to 25 per cent of peak traffic periods.

In one major project, the State Government is spending $196m to remove the dangerous Ovingham level crossing at the intersection of Torrens Road, Hawker Street and Belford Ave.

By elevating Torrens Road over the rail line, more than 100 properties will be saved from compulsory acquisition.

Last December, a freight train heading towards Perth hurtled through the crossing as the boom gates failed to stop traffic.

The Transport Department confirmed a track fault caused the failure. The incident prompted an investigation by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

Meanwhile, the Hove level crossing removal project has faced opposition by the Holdfast Bay Council.

Holdfast Bay mayor Amanda Wilson. Picture: Roy Vandervegt

Mayor Amanda Wilson previously said the key concern for residents for a rail-over-road option was the “long-term impacts of a 1.4km long bridge cutting through our city”.

The council threw its support behind a rail line going under Brighton Road – an option the State Government said would be more disruptive and expensive.

Mr Wingard suggested the council could make a financial contribution if it wanted the rail-under option.

[e-mail]