Re: Xplorer collision

["David Proctor" <daproc@bigfoot.com>]

Maurie Daly <mauried@commslab.gov.au> wrote in article
<mauried.401.3494EA5A@commslab.gov.au>...
> In article <3493BCDE.70549CB7@klever.net.au> Eben Levy
<ebenlevy@klever.net.au> writes:
> >From: Eben Levy <ebenlevy@klever.net.au>
> >Subject: Re: Xplorer collision
> >Date: Sun, 14 Dec 1997 22:02:54 +1100
> 
> >It is not always economical to have anything other then a level
crossing.
> 
> >Plus it is not always possible to put an under/over pass in, due to lack
off
> >space.
> 
> Rubbish, its all a matter of policy

and cost!

> Have a look at the Sydney suburban rail network and count the number of
level 
> crossings,then compare it with Melbournes Suburban Rail Network.

While it is true that there are a large number of level crossing in
Melbourne, you are comparing apples and oranges here - the Xplorer
collision occurred in a country region, where there are a large number of
level crossings - the cost of providing bridges and underpasses is
unjustifiable on lines with the limited traffic of most of our branch
lines.

> Sydney has next to none, Melb has heaps.

I agree with you here - it is totally inexcusable that funds have not been
forthcoming to eliminate most of these crossings in Melbourne.

> There are numerous examples of where enormous effort has gone into
eliminating 
> level crossings,some of which are totally absurd.
> A good example is Springhurst Station where the SG line travels on a 
> specially built overbridge simply to avoid a level crossing for the road
into 
> the station.
> Wangaratta is another example of where the SG line deliberately runs on a

> differant level than the BG lines so a level crossing into the station is

> avoided.
> The main southern line from Goulburn to Cootamundra has stuff all level 
> crossings,but lots of bridges and underpasses.

You are forgetting that the line from Goulburn to Cootamundra is fairly
undulating, and it is therefore possible to take advantage of the terrain
to significantly reduce the cost of providing these overbridges and
underpasses - compare this section with the Wagga Wagga to Albury section!

> Its simply a matter of common sense.
> Level crossings are simply an economic copout.
> 
> MD
> 
> 
> --------------------------------------------------
> Maurie Daly
> Department of Communications Lab.
> Canberra
> Australia
> mauried@commslab.gov.au
> ph 6 2791331
> --------------------------------------------------
>

David Proctor
daproc@bigfoot.com

Thought for the day: Who is General Error, and why is he reading my hard
drive?