Friday, 28 September 2007

SYKES WELCOMES RAIL CROSSING UPGRADES

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has welcomed this week’s announcement by the Public Transport Minister of the installation of rumble strips to nine level crossings in the Benalla Electorate.

Dr Sykes said, “I welcome the latest round of upgrade announcements especially given the previous upgrades announced in June this year only included one level crossing (Avenel) in the Benalla Electorate.

“The upgrades follow on from continued lobbying by The Nationals over the past four years.”

Crossings in the Benalla Electorate to be upgraded by the installation of rumble strips by March 2008 include:

• Old Thoona Road, Chesney
   
• Devenish Road/Feldtmann Road, Goorambat
   
• Boxwood Road, Devenish
   
• Aerodrome Road, Avenel
   
• Tabilk-Monea Road, Avenel
   
• Racecourse Road, Nagambie
   
• Kirwans Bridge – Longwood Road, Nagambie
   
• Wahring – Euroa Road, Nagambie
   
• Arcadia Road, Arcadia

Dr Sykes continued, “Still more crossings in the Benalla Electorate need attention, for example Balmattum Siding, Errey’s Rd and Baddaginnie.

“A lot of the level crossings require simple clearance of vegetation and maintenance/upgrading of road surfaces at the crossing to substantially improve their safety.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I’ll be monitoring the progress of the scheduled upgrades given that two years has elapsed since previously announced upgrades, in particular the proposed upgrade to the Witt Street, Benalla level and as yet, crossing works haven’t started.

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