News & Discussion: Level Crossings

[jk1237]

Park Terrace in Bowden should be up there as a main priority.

'Twas on AG's list, and DTEI regards it as a priority, but I'm unconvinced. Better signal coordination there would be just as effective IMO.

nup, major intersections that are close to level crossings that result in cars queuing back over the level crossing should be number 1 priority for grade separations. Same as Salisbury. Theres always 1 goose that will queue right over the tracks, like the dimwit bus driver at Salisbury that the Ghan hit

[[Shuz]]

In reply to Aidans post about the trams - wouldn't it just be easier to replace the level crossings with traffic lights instead (think what they did at South Road during the overpass construction works) and tweak the signalling to prioritise the trams right of way on its approach to the intersection?

If you think about it, there's not a lot of difference between the tram's right of way on Port Road compared to the Glenelg corridor, excepting the level crossings.

[Aidan]

Park Terrace in Bowden should be up there as a main priority.

'Twas on AG's list, and DTEI regards it as a priority, but I'm unconvinced. Better signal coordination there would be just as effective IMO.

nup, major intersections that are close to level crossings that result in cars queuing back over the level crossing should be number 1 priority for grade separations. Same as Salisbury. Theres always 1 goose that will queue right over the tracks, like the dimwit bus driver at Salisbury that the Ghan hit

The Salisbury crossing now features emergency escape lanes. Couldn't the same thing be done at Bowden?

In reply to Aidans post about the trams - wouldn't it just be easier to replace the level crossings with traffic lights instead (think what they did at South Road during the overpass construction works) and tweak the signalling to prioritise the trams right of way on its approach to the intersection?

If you think about it, there's not a lot of difference between the tram's right of way on Port Road compared to the Glenelg corridor, excepting the level crossings.

There's one big difference: the trams have absolute priority at the crossings on the Glenelg line. Replacing the crossing with lights would hardly make any difference to road traffic if absolute priority for the trams were retained, but it would increase capacity if the trams sometimes had to stop - which would obviously slow down the schedule. Even so, it's not a bad idea- especially if journey time savings can be made elsewhere on the line.

But don't forget: motorists are more likely to queue across intersections at traffic lights (even where signs and road markings tell them not to) than across tracks at level crossings.

[mattblack]

The whole point with Bowden is that the government want it to be a showpiece as it is the first cab off the rank in terms of a TOD style development for Adelaide. I agree that it is probably not the most pressing intersection to upgrade and if the suburb was going to be more of the same low density garb that we have now the government would even be considering it. If the Gov starts cutting corners on this one it will not make the impression it needs to change the stigma that aAdelaidians have toward high density housing. It will also be part of a package including cylcling routes and bridges into the parklands, it should be seen in context and changing perseptions. Good on them I say, spend the money that it needs and get it right the first time.