Mond

Friday, 23 June 2006

SYKES: FAITHFULL STREET RAIL CROSSING A DISGRACE

The Faithfull Street railway crossing in Benalla is both dangerous and a disgrace according to Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

The problem was drawn to Dr Sykes’ attention by Benalla family day care worker, Barbara Matthews, who needs to use the crossing daily with young children in a pram.

Dr Sykes said, “The crossing has pot holes 15cm deep making it so difficult for Mrs Matthews that she is tempted to use the road rail crossing which has a better surface.

“However, this is extremely dangerous as in the few minutes I was at the crossing this week three B double trucks went past because Faithfull Street is part of the diversion route for heavy vehicles.”

Dr Sykes continued, “There is evidence of bandaid repairs using a combination of concrete and railway sleepers.

“However, the current pot holes highlight that the railway organisations are failing to provide basic maintenance to ensure safe pedestrian crossing.”

Dr Sykes continued, “I will raise this matter with the Minister for Transport when Parliament meets next. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case; many railway crossings in North East Victoria are in similar conditions and outright dangerous. The Bracks Government must ensure immediate upgrading of country rail crossings before more serious accidents occur”.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989