The Australian and New South Wales governments are strengthening their commitment to building a safer, more connected NSW by rolling out cutting-edge level crossing safety technology at a site near Quirindi.

The regional crossing was once marked by tragedy but is now the site of innovation, with the NSW Government launching the state’s first trial of a cutting-edge safety system that could help prevent future fatalities.

The $1.2 million trial of the Rail Active Crossing System (RAXS) has been activated at Callaghans Lane, with lights flashing from today. 

The modular, solar-powered system uses wireless train detection to trigger flashing lights, bells, and clear warning signs, converting a passive crossing into a fully active one.

The technology has been purpose-built for regional and remote areas, where traditional infrastructure may not be feasible, but the risks are real and often deadly.

The RAXS trial is a joint initiative of Transport for NSW, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and Rail Safety Systems, with funding from the Minns Labor Government ($715,000) and the Federal Albanese Government ($500,000) through the Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program.

The technology was installed in July and activated after rigorous safety testing.

The trial runs through to mid-2026, with monitoring in place to assess how motorists interact with the new system.

Importantly, the installed cameras will not be used for enforcement and will be removed at the end of the trial.

The announcement coincides with National Rail Safety Week, a time to reflect on the more than 4,500 rail workers who have lost their life at work since the 1850s, and to reaffirm the need to protect all those who use and work around the rail network.

With more than 2,700 level crossings across NSW, and more than 850 passively controlled in regional areas, the Minns Labor Government is taking action to help road and rail users get home safely.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is taking action to protect lives with innovative technology that is tailor-made for regional and remote NSW.

“This is about more than just new technology and infrastructure, it’s about supporting our regional communities, rail workers and road users by putting safety first.

“Any death or injury on a level crossing is a tragedy and this crossing near Quirindi was the site of a fatal crash in 2023.

“We know crashes at level crossings can occur in seconds, but their impacts last a lifetime. That’s why this technology matters.

“National Rail Safety Week is a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community. We owe it to them to do everything we can to keep them safe and that’s what this trial is about.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said:

“This trial represents a big step forward in transforming regional safety.

“Together with the NSW Government, we’re focused on practical solutions that save lives in the bush.

“Through our $180.1 million Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program, we’re proud to support innovative projects like this one at Quirindi.”

Director Infrastructure Projects at ARTC Heather Parry said:

“Trains can’t stop quickly, especially when loaded, so making crossings like Callaghans Lane more visible and active is critical for preventing tragedies.

“ARTC is proud to be part of this partnership helping to protect people across rural NSW.”