A new joint venture between CIMIC Group company UGL and Australian rail safety technology company Rail Safety Systems (RSS) is set to accelerate the roll out of affordable, proven technology designed to address one of the nation’s most persistent rail safety risks: passive level crossings.
Across regional Australia, thousands of level crossings still rely solely on stop or give way signs, contributing to serious incidents and fatalities each year.
Supporting state and federal efforts to improve rail safety, the Rail Active Crossing System (RAXS), developed by RSS, provides a cost-effective way to convert passive crossings into active ones through flashing lights, bells and wireless train detection.
Unlike traditional upgrades requiring costly signalling infrastructure and extensive civil works, the solar-powered, modular RAXS can be installed in days at significantly lower cost, while maintaining fail-safe and fail-operational capability.
A government-funded trial at Quirindi in northern New South Wales, supported by Transport for NSW and the Australian Rail Track Corporation, concluded on 30 April. The technology is now expected to progress towards type approval, paving the way for broader deployment across New South Wales and potentially nationwide.
RSS CEO Andrew Clark said the partnership with UGL marked a significant milestone in improving rail safety outcomes across regional Australia.
“Passive level crossings remain one of the most serious safety risks on the regional network,” Mr Clark said.
“For decades, communities have been told that full upgrades were simply too expensive to justify. RAXS is proving regional safety does not have to come at a metropolitan price.”
“By combining our proven technology with UGL’s national workforce and delivery capability, we can move quickly to help protect communities most at risk and fast-track installations across regional New South Wales and beyond.”
UGL General Manager Rail & Technology Systems Glen Donaldson said the joint venture reflected both companies’ shared commitment to improving rail safety outcomes nationally.
“UGL operates and maintains significant sections of Australia’s rail network and we see first-hand the risks passive crossings pose,” Mr Donaldson said.
“This partnership allows us to deploy a practical, scalable solution that materially improves safety for motorists and rail operators alike.”
He said UGL’s national footprint and operational expertise would help accelerate delivery.
“Our crews are already active across the country every day. Working with RSS means we can integrate this technology quickly and effectively wherever it’s needed.”
Today, the joint venture also officially launched the ‘RAXS Live’ program, a national stakeholder engagement initiative designed to educate industry, government and communities on the benefits of deploying RAXS technology at passive level crossings across regional Australia.
The program commenced with factory demonstration days at the company’s Dandenong facility, welcoming representatives from V/Line, TasRail, ONRSR, RTBU and ONRIC.
RAXS Live will now expand into a coordinated national roadshow and industry activation series aligned with major rail and safety events including AusRAIL, ARISO and TrackSAFE initiatives.
