[VIC] Dandenong Line Yesterday

["Andy B" <andb@pacific.net.au>]

Fairly major problems along Dandenong line yesterday, between Poath Rd &
Springvale Rd.

This is what I observed/heard:

All Down signals were set at red, up signals didn't seem to be affected.

All down trains were deliberately tripping the signals, and after a minute
continuing on.  At one stage there was 3 trains (2 sparks, 1 loco) all lined
up only 1 section apart.

Every level crossing was down, and traffic lights at those level crossings
were flashing yellow. Police were in attendance at every crossing directing
traffic around.

Theiss Engineering were also in attendance at every level crossing, and were
fiddling with the control boxes.

At some level crossings police were telling trains when to stop and go.  I
believe this may have been because many cars were still tryng through the
crossing, and many pedestrians (in particular school children) were
crossing.

The problem appeared to be fixed at exactly 1630, and traffic started
flowing through the level crossings again.

A photo of N485 tripping a signal will be available shortly ;-)