Last year, a Transport NSW trial for new safety strategies at rail crossings was slated for two locations in Narromine.

There was only one other trial site selected in NSW which is at Bribbaree.

The three trials are now operating and feature advance warning signs and radar activated stop signs with LED lights.

The idea was prompted by the sobering statistics that level crossing crashes between trains and road vehicles are a major safety risk. From 2001 to 2021, there were 164 crashes at level crossings between trains and road vehicles in NSW, resulting in 16 fatalities and 26 serious injuries. 

NSW has more than 1300 level crossings on public roads. Almost 860 level crossings are controlled by a stop or give way sign. These crossings are mostly in regional, rural and remote areas. 

The new safety features are designed to increase motorists awareness of possible danger by using cost-effective, off-grid technologies.

 Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said it was all about saving lives.

“Crashes at level crossings can have tragic outcomes, leaving families and communities devastated. This rural trial harnesses technology to improve level crossing visibility for motorists with the aim to save lives,” she said.

Craig Davies, Mayor of Narromine Shire said he had seen the new safety systems while driving around the region.

"They have put up radar activated LED stop signs and while we welcome that sort of technology, if I had a concern it would be that the stop sign doesn't actually start flashing until you're around 100 metres from it and so you have to pull yourself up pretty quickly," he said. "I think a longer distance, maybe 200 metres, would be better."

The trial is expected to operate for 24 months until mid 2025. The technology will be assessed to see whether it provides a safer, reliable and resilient solution to level crossing risks and if successful could be rolled out to additional sites in NSW.

"Clearly, we welcome that sort of technology because anything that can save lives on rail crossings is important," Mr Davies said. "And with the introduction of Inland Rail when it happens it's going to become increasingly important in the context of use of the rail lines and trade increasing."