Executive summary
On Wednesday 9 February 2005 at about 1500, a descending barrier arm at Norton Road level crossing, Hamilton, struck a school bus conveying 16 passengers when the level crossing warning devices activated for the passage of express freight Train 312. The school bus could not clear the level crossing because of traffic banked up in front of and behind it.
Train 312 was stationary at the time and the locomotive engineer became aware of the school bus before he moved his train.
There were no injuries.
The safety issues identified included the signage, design, layout and alignment of the road approaches to, and exits from, the level crossing.
A joint safety recommendation covering these issues was made to the Chief Executives of ONTRACK and Hamilton City Council.
Long-term use of the level crossing in its existing layout was considered but in view of the changes proposed by Hamilton City Council no safety recommendation was made
Related Recommendations
participate with New Zealand Railways Corporation in a review of the Norton Road level crossing in Hamilton to include, but not limited to, the design, layout, signage, road marking, warning devices and the alignment of the road approaches and exit’s to ensure these are appropriate and take steps to rectify any shortcomings identified.
participate with Hamilton City Council in a review of Norton Road level crossing in Hamilton to include, but not limited to, the design, layout, signage, road markings, warning devices and the alignment of the road approaches and exit's to ensure these are appropriate and take steps to rectify any shortcomings identified.