Australian Railroad Crossing Signals

[TrickyMario7654]

New South Wales has also received a few street view updates.

New signals at Blayney which replaced the Federal Signal gate mechs https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-33.527 ... 384!8i8192

New signals at Ash St, Orange which replaced the Westinghouse teardrop bell https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-33.308 ... 384!8i8192

In better news, this crossing at Bathurst retains it's m-bell https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-33.440 ... 384!8i8192

Private crossing near Bathurst which received new signals and m-bells https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-33.464 ... 384!8i8192

Sadly this crossing at Koorawatha (on the closed Cowra line) had all signals and the relay bungalow removed https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.033 ... 384!8i8192
Here's a look at what used to be there https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.034 ... 328!8i1664

It seems that the crossings at Tichborne and Welcome (near Parkes) are going to be upgraded https://extranet.artc.com.au/docman/Doc ... 1758618202
Tichborne https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-33.225 ... 312!8i6656
Welcome https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-33.169 ... 312!8i6656
The upgrades received a mention in the latest LCSC report https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system ... 018-19.pdf

Found some more updated images of the crossings along the NSW portion of the Melbourne-Sydney line and it's associated branches. Of course, many of the changes I'm about to list are already well known by forum users.

The crossing at Gerogery remains unchanged.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.835 ... 384!8i8192

This passive crossing south of Culcairn still retains an old style advanced warning sign.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.748 ... 384!8i8192

The crossing at Balfour Street, Culcairn has been upgraded, as previously reported. Interesting how the new signals lack '2 Tracks' signs despite their being more than one track at the crossing.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.667 ... 384!8i8192

The other gateless crossings at Culcairn have been upgraded with gates.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.656 ... 384!8i8192
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.630 ... 384!8i8192

The crossing at Rosler Parade, Henty has also upgraded with gates.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.526 ... 384!8i8192

As previously noted in this thread, Sladen Street, Henty has received the red background crossbucks, but is otherwise unchanged (asides from the replacement WCH m-bell).
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.517 ... 384!8i8192

The crossing at Yerong Creek is unchanged.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.387 ... 384!8i8192

Old Trunk Road, The Rock still appears to have the dead WCH m-bell.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.253 ... 384!8i8192

The crossing at Uranquinty has received new signals.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.191 ... 384!8i8192

Docker Street, Wagga Wagga remains unchanged and still retains the two Modern Industries m-bells.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.122 ... 384!8i8192

Amazingly, the signals for the crossing at Bomen are still there in August 2019 despite being closed for almost two years at that point! The lights have been bagged though, indicating that they're no longer powered.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.071 ... 384!8i8192

Sadly, the other crossing at Bomen has been completely removed.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.071 ... 384!8i8192

The crossing at Junee still has the two teardrop bells, though I assume that one of them is still dead.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.868 ... 384!8i8192

The crossing at Marinna (Wantiool) also appears to be unchanged.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.844 ... 384!8i8192

Both crossings at Illabo are unchanged.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.815 ... 384!8i8192
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.803 ... 384!8i8192

The crossing at Tanyinna has had both gated signals replaced after the previous ones were wiped out by vehicle strikes.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.730 ... 384!8i8192
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.730 ... 384!8i8192

The crossing at Yass Road, Cootamundra has had one of the WCH m-bells replaced by a Safetran Type 3 e-bell, but is otherwise unchanged.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.632 ... 384!8i8192

This disused crossing at Cowra (on the same line that the now removed crossing at Koorawatha was on) still survives, although some of the visors for the lights have gone missing.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-33.829 ... 384!8i8192

This crossing further up the line also survives, but is now missing the signal with the bell.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-33.807 ... 384!8i8192

Phew, that was a long list!

[McK&H.Aust]

The crossing at Junee still has the two teardrop bells, though I assume that one of them is still dead.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-34.868 ... 384!8i8192

Yes the dead teardrop bell still remains on the far signal in that image, it's been that way since 2016 so I guess they're not interested in replacing it, which is probably a good thing

This crossing further up the line also survives, but is now missing the signal with the bell.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-33.807 ... 384!8i8192

The missing signal which had the bell has been gone for a few years now, I'm pretty sure it was wiped out by a vehicle strike.

[Jack2003]

Unfortunately I have some sad news to report, the hybrid bells at Frankston - Flinders Road, Tyabb on the Stony Point Line have been replaced, but thankfully the Westinghouse EB gate mechs are still there, it's very sad however to have lost another set of hybrid bells when there was nothing wrong with them. They would've been replaced mid or late last year. Thankfully all other crossings with hybrid bells on the line survive as does the nearby one on the Port Of Hastings line, THIS HYBRID BELL REPLACING HAS TO STOP METRO, WE'RE ONLY DOWN TO 25 CROSSINGS WITH THEM AND 10 ARE ON THE REMOVAL LIST, 3 OF WHICH ARE WORTHLESS CHOICES FOR REMOVAL!!!! IT HAS UPSET US RAILFANS SO MUCH OVER THE YEARS SO STOP IT!!!!

In other news the crossings at Old Geelong Road and Geelong - Ballan Road in Ballan still have there current gated signals but unfortunately are about to be replaced as a second track is going in through the crossing. A new signal base and new relay box bases have been installed at both crossings, I was surprised to have found out the work had not been completed as I was in Ballan 2 weeks ago as I had filmed Old Geelong Road in action with my Western Cullen Hayes bell ringing. Here are some pictures of Old Geelong Road, Ballan, unfortunately I didn't get any of Geelong - Ballan Road:



Looking towards Geelong - Ballan Road


Looking towards Cowie Street


Unfortunately the other crossings in Ballan which are getting a second track have gotten new gated signals.

Unfortunately also the hybrid bell at Calder Highway, Irymple has been replaced which would've been during 2017 or 2018. It is also safe to say that the Mildura line is sadly 100% ebells now.

Unfortunately again work has started to dismantle the Korrumburra - Leongatha section of the disused South Gippsland railway so this sadly means the line will never be used again. It also will probably be the end to Turner Street and Roughead Street's level crossings.

Also sadly the crossings at Eel Race Road and Mascot Avenue were closed off and removed on the first weekend of February and the new skyrail bridge and new Carrum station opened to trains on February 17th.

Anyway that's all from me

Here's the list of remaining mechanical bells on Victorian Railways: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=5126

[chris96]

Unfortunately I have some sad news to report, the hybrid bells at Frankston - Flinders Road, Tyabb on the Stony Point Line have been replaced, but thankfully the Westinghouse EB gate mechs are still there, it's very sad however to have lost another set of hybrid bells when there was nothing wrong with them. They would've been replaced mid or late last year. Thankfully all other crossings with hybrid bells on the line survive as does the nearby one on the Port Of Hastings line, THIS HYBRID BELL REPLACING HAS TO STOP METRO, WE'RE ONLY DOWN TO 25 CROSSINGS WITH THEM AND 10 ARE ON THE REMOVAL LIST, 3 OF WHICH ARE WORTHLESS CHOICES FOR REMOVAL!!!! IT HAS UPSET US RAILFANS SO MUCH OVER THE YEARS SO STOP IT!!!!

In other news the crossings at Old Geelong Road and Geelong - Ballan Road in Ballan still have there current gated signals but unfortunately are about to be replaced as a second track is going in through the crossing. A new signal base and new relay box bases have been installed at both crossings, I was surprised to have found out the work had not been completed as I was in Ballan 2 weeks ago as I had filmed Old Geelong Road in action with my Western Cullen Hayes bell ringing. Here are some pictures of Old Geelong Road, Ballan, unfortunately I didn't get any of Geelong - Ballan Road:



Looking towards Geelong - Ballan Road


Looking towards Cowie Street


Unfortunately the other crossings in Ballan which are getting a second track have gotten new gated signals.

Unfortunately also the hybrid bell at Calder Highway, Irymple has been replaced which would've been during 2017 or 2018. It is also safe to say that the Mildura line is sadly 100% ebells now.

Unfortunately again work has started to dismantle the Korrumburra - Leongatha section of the disused South Gippsland railway so this sadly means the line will never be used again. It also will probably be the end to Turner Street and Roughead Street's level crossings.

Also sadly the crossings at Eel Race Road and Mascot Avenue were closed off and removed on the first weekend of February and the new skyrail bridge and new Carrum station opened to trains on February 17th.

Anyway that's all from me

Here's the list of remaining mechanical bells on Victorian Railways: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=5126

*BRACE FOR ANOTHER LONG POST!*

Great pictures there Level Crossing Fan! It's ridiculous that so many crossing signals on the Ballarat line are being completely replaced just because additional tracks are being added in certain sections. Heck, some crossings are even being upgraded when they already had multiple tracks (case in point Parwan Rd, Bacchus Marsh and Exford Rd, Melton).

I travailed to Ballarat on the train the other day and was able to get pictures of all the upgraded crossings along the way (excuse the crudeness of some of them, this was the best I could do from inside a fast moving train):

Hopkins Rd, Rockbank:
IMG_4167 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4168 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4194 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Original Crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.752 ... 384!8i8192


Troups Rd, Rockbank:
IMG_4169 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4193 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Original Crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.737 ... 312!8i6656


Leakes Rd, Rockbank is one of the few crossings in the area that still remains very much the same. The only additions are new-style Westinghouse LED lights (on a separate signal for the car park exit) and Magnetic Autocontrol pedestrian swing gates:
IMG_4170 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4171 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4165 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr


Paynes Rd, Rockbank is also mostly unchanged, except for new red background crossbucks and Magnetic Autocontrol swing gates. This is also the last crossing in the area to still have a GS Type-2 E-Bell:
IMG_4172 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4190 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Original Crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.722 ... 312!8i6656


Mount Cottrell Rd, Rockbank:
IMG_4173 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4188 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4189 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Original Crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.717 ... 312!8i6656


Ferris Rd, Cobblebank:
IMG_4174 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4175 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4187 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Original Crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.711 ... 312!8i6656


Exford Rd, Melton:
IMG_4176 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4177 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4186 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Original Crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.703 ... 312!8i6656


Windle St, Ballan:
IMG_4180 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Original Crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.605 ... 312!8i6656


The wishbone gates in Ballan yard are still there:
IMG_4181 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Cowie St, Ballan:
IMG_4182 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr


Original Crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.604 ... 312!8i6656


What's strange is that most of the crossings between Melton and Caroline Springs (as well as Cowie St, Ballan) have completely new signals on the side where the new tracks are, while the other sides have reused LED lights on a new mast with new red background crossbucks and (most times) new gate mechs.


And now, I present to you.....the (soon to be) gated crossing to nowhere!
IMG_4183 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4184 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

Here's a picture I took from my car a while back but forgot to post. This is located on private farmland just outside of Ballan. How on earth are boom gates necessary here?
IMG_4086 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

As others have suggested, these "upgrades" would almost centrally be due to "use it or loose it" funding. I find it all pretty wasteful.

During my trip, I also spotted some old crossing equipment left near the Rowsley Station Rd crossing on the outskirts of Bacchus Marsh:
IMG_4185 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

There was also a lot of old crossing equipment in the yards next to Melton station, but unfortunately, I couldn't get my phone ready in time.

Finally, I stumbled across something very unusual in the new rail yards near Wyndham Vale station. There are two crossing signals (without crossbucks) inside the facility. The first one is clearly protecting an internal road:
IMG_4196 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4198 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4196 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

However, the second signal's purpose isn't so clear. It almost appears as though the gate lowers over some of the tracks, though it could just be the angle I'm viewing it from. Take a look:
IMG_4199 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr
IMG_4200 by Christian Nolan, on Flickr

[Jack2003]

It's just stupid that they didn't move the signal to it's new base, they just have to install new signals which is a huge waste of money! There was no need to upgrade Exford Street and Frisken Street since they're not getting another track and installing a new gateless signal at Leakes Road when that crossing already has two tracks and installing all new signals at Grant Street when two of four signals weren't in need of being replaced.

Anyway I was in Geelong 2 weeks ago and I checked out the Burnside Road level crossing at Bannockburn and unfortunately the hybrid bell has been replaced with a usual boring Safetran Type 3. It would've been replaced in mid 2016 as it was still there in March 2015 according to Street View. Here are some images:




The smaller relay box is now no longer used as the base has been damaged and the test switch cabinet has now been removed




The newer relay box has been there since March 2015 according to Street View (when the hybrid bell was still there) and the test switch cabinet still remained on the out of use relay box.

I checked out the disused McClure Street level crossing in Maryborough last weekend on Sunday and unfortunately the inside of the relay box has been vandalised in the last month or two.




I was even more upset to find out that the test switch cabinet had had it's telephone and flasher test buttons stolen, the inspection book had also been stolen too, the flag however was on the ground next to the road.


Thankfully the signals are still completely intact although the large CROSSING sign on the southern side has been graffitied on





I can confirm that Moscript Street, Campbells Creek still survives as of now and is still unchanged.

Lastly the crossing at Newell Highway in Tichborne was upgraded with gates on the 12th of March just 4 days ago so it's RIP to the hybrid bell there. The crossing really did need gates though as the road is very busy.

Anyway that's all from me

[McK&H.Aust]

Found an updated streetview image of Sisely Ave, Wangaratta showing the signal which had it's Westinghouse EB gate mech replaced by a new WCH one, and the Westinghouse hybrid bell replaced by a Safetran type 3 e-bell
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.360 ... 384!8i8192

You can also see the new pedestrian crossing under construction
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.360 ... 384!8i8192
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.360 ... 384!8i8192

High St, Barnawartha, RIP Safetran m-bell
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.099 ... 384!8i8192

[chris96]

Found an updated streetview image of Sisely Ave, Wangaratta showing the signal which had it's Westinghouse EB gate mech replaced by a new WCH one, and the Westinghouse hybrid bell replaced by a Safetran type 3 e-bell
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.360 ... 384!8i8192

You can also see the new pedestrian crossing under construction
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.360 ... 384!8i8192
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.360 ... 384!8i8192

High St, Barnawartha, RIP Safetran m-bell
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.099 ... 384!8i8192

What a shame. The EB gate mechs and hybrid bell are bad enough, but loosing one of the only (if not THE only) Westinghouse pedestrian gate mechs outside of urban Melbourne is very sad indeed. On the plus side, at least they didn't replace the other signal at the same time.

[TrickyMario7654]

Found an updated streetview image of Sisely Ave, Wangaratta showing the signal which had it's Westinghouse EB gate mech replaced by a new WCH one, and the Westinghouse hybrid bell replaced by a Safetran type 3 e-bell
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.360 ... 384!8i8192

You can also see the new pedestrian crossing under construction
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.360 ... 384!8i8192
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.360 ... 384!8i8192

High St, Barnawartha, RIP Safetran m-bell
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.099 ... 384!8i8192

What a shame. The EB gate mechs and hybrid bell are bad enough, but loosing one of the only (if not THE only) Westinghouse pedestrian gate mechs outside of urban Melbourne is very sad indeed. On the plus side, at least they didn't replace the other signal at the same time.

Actually, they haven't replaced the entire signal, only the hybrid bell and the gate mech.

Also found an updated image of Shanley Street, Wangaratta showing the new gated signals at the crossing.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.373 ... 384!8i8192

Additionally, this out of service crossing in Mittyack had it's signals removed relatively recently.
2018: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.157 ... 312!8i6656
2019: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.157 ... 384!8i8192

[chris96]

Actually, they haven't replaced the entire signal, only the hybrid bell and the gate mech.

Also found an updated image of Shanley Street, Wangaratta showing the new gated signals at the crossing.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.373 ... 384!8i8192

Additionally, this out of service crossing in Mittyack had it's signals removed relatively recently.
2018: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.157 ... 312!8i6656
2019: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.157 ... 384!8i8192

Oh yeah, I realize the entire signal hasn't been replaced, I just meant most of the major components have been. Perhaps I could have been a little clearer on that.

Interesting find there with the Mittyack crossing. It's strange that while the crossing signals themselves have been removed, the advance warning signs and associated control equipment still remain:
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.157 ... 384!8i8192
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.157 ... 384!8i8192
https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.157 ... 384!8i8192
They look like they're still ready to warn of an approaching train!

[Jack2003]

It's great that the forum is back in action again. Anyway here are some more new Street View images that have not yet being included.

The new gated setup at McCallum Street, Swan Hill which was 2 months after it was upgraded when Street View passed through: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.338 ... 384!8i8192

The removed signals at Mallee Highway, Murrayville: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.260 ... 384!8i8192

The removed signals at Mallee Highway, Panitya: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-35.237 ... 384!8i8192

Summerhill Road, Craigeburn showing the new Safetran Type 3's and flat gates: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.571 ... 384!8i8192

Donnybrook Road, Donnybrook showing the upgraded pedestrian crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.542 ... 384!8i8192

Wallan-Whittlesea Road with newer style red background crossbucks: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.419 ... 384!8i8192

The new gated setup at Boorhaman Road, North Wangaratta, which shows the upper pair of incandescent lights have been reused and the crossing also received General Signals ebells as there would've been a shortage of Safetran Type 3's at the time: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.325 ... 384!8i8192

McMahons Road, Springhurst in the process of getting gates
October 2018: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.208 ... 384!8i8192
July 2019: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.208 ... 384!8i8192

High Street, Barnarwartha in the process of getting gates: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.099 ... 384!8i8192

The new gated setup at Old Barnarwartha Road, Wodonga: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-36.102 ... 384!8i8192

Hamilton Highway, Cressy showing the new Safetran Type 3's: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.024 ... 384!8i8192

Sommerville Road, Brooklyn on the APEX siding showing the cantilever which had been the 2nd one knocked over by a turning vehicle: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.809 ... 384!8i8192

Hopkins Road, Rockbank in the process of getting new gated signals and a new pedestrian crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.751 ... 384!8i8192

The new gated signals and pedestrian crossing at Troups Road North, Rockbank: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.736 ... 384!8i8192

Leakes Road, Rockbank in the process of getting a new gateless signal and a new pedestrian crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.730 ... 384!8i8192

The upgraded Paynes Road, Rockbank level crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.722 ... 384!8i8192

Now moving onto Metro crossings. Starting off with Allendale Road, Diamond Creek/Eltham where the faded stop on red signal sign on the western side has had a new white background stop on red signal sign placed over the top of the faded sign. Everything else is unchanged: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.688 ... 384!8i8192

The trashed Union Street, Brunswick level crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.774 ... 384!8i8192

The trashed Victoria Street, Brunswick level crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.766 ... 384!8i8192

The trashed Reynard Street, Coburg level crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.748 ... 384!8i8192

Hampton Street showing the new gateless signal and upgraded pedestrian crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.938 ... 384!8i8192

Union Street, Windsor showing the upgraded pedestrian crossing: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.854 ... 384!8i8192

The upgraded pedestrian crossing at South Gippsland Highway, Dandenong South: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.002 ... 384!8i8192

The upgraded pedestrian crossing at McGregor Road, Pakenham: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.078 ... 384!8i8192

The new Western Cullen Hayes gate mechs and upgraded pedestrian crossing at Main Street, Pakenham: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@-38.079 ... 384!8i8192

Wow what a list!