Executive summary
On 28 May 1993 a train collided with a motor vehicle on a level crossing near Levin. The driver, the sole occupant of the motor vehicle, was seriously injured. Safety issues discussed in the report are design criteria for level crossings adjacent to main road intersections and the display of warnings to motorists following the disablement of crossing warning devices.
Related Recommendations
A programme be developed to review the adequacy of all warnings to motorists at intersections on State Highways which have railway crossings in close proximity.
Transit New Zealand develop a code of practice for the design of intersections with closely adjacent railway crossings, taking into account the combined risk of accident that the two hazards present.
The Road Accident Investigation Study Team be reconvened as soon as practicable, with representatives of New Zealand Rail Ltd, to review the traffic engineering aspects of the State Highway 1/Kimberly Road intersection and the adjacent railway crossing on Kimberly Road, to determine what practical steps could be taken to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
When railway crossing alarms are disabled, a temporary road traffic speed restriction and suitable warning signs, accompanied by suitable hazard lighting during the hours of darkness, be placed on the approaches to the crossing.