Motorists frustrated with traffic congestion at level crossings along the Werribee line won’t get relief any time soon.
While three crossings are on the list for upgrades – at Cherry Street and Cottrell Street, Werribee, and at Aviation Road, Laverton – waiting times behind boom gates will go up anyway with the introduction of X’Trapolis trains on the Werribee line.
Spokesperson for Metro Trains Pauline O’Connor said the fleet of new trains had different acceleration and braking techniques and, because of this, level crossing timings on the Werribee line need adjusting.
“The crossing timing is specific for each level crossing and needs to be assessed individually, but generally boom gates will go down between one and 15 seconds earlier,” Ms O’Connor said.
“The reason for this is to ensure the safe operation of the level crossing for road, pedestrian and rail users.”
Ms O’Connor said factors used to assess each level crossing included the crossing width, train acceleration, the profile of the level crossing approach, the position of the station in relation to the level crossing, the position of signals in relationship to the level crossing, and line speed.
