Dear Residents
Please see the message below from MetroRail regarding the booms at the Kenilworth Station.
Please distribute this information to the wider audience about the level crossing that will be reinstated on 2 August 2019.
Background:
- Level crossing consisted of 3x sets of flashlights and 2x long steel booms (full booms) that closed the entire road
- The level crossing was fully operational but in December 2018 after experiencing severe number of attacks on cables and component theft & vandalism, it resulted in the level crossing controller equipment burning and failing completely
- Due to obsolete equipment the Region could not repair the level crossing controller.
Reinstatement:
- The Region researched for methods to improve the system and opted to change the trackside equipment with current technologies such as latest boom technology and LED flashlights.
- The Region designed, procured and had to submit the design for approval prior to installation
- The system has been installed and has to be operationally tested by Professional Engineers
- Once tested it will be commissioned and handed over for safe operations of road users and trains on Friday night 2 August 2019
Community :
- We as the Infrastructure department request that the community circulate this information to everyone as an awareness campaign to understand how the newer technology will function in order to prevent road vehicles colliding with the booms resulting in damages to the system
- The near misses arises from road users not adhering to the flashlights
- System functionality for Kenilworth
- Train approaches and sends alarm to Crossing Attendant
- Crossing Attendant acknowledges alarm by switching flashlights on
- Flashlights will warn road users of an oncoming train for 8-10 seconds
- Upon completion of the 8-10seconds the2x entry booms(left hand side of road) will be depressed to close
- After 5 seconds the 2x exit booms(right hand side of road) closes
- Upon completion of the above actions the flashlights will be flashing and the road will be fully closed same as with the previous system
- We would appreciate if the community can assist by adhering to the flashlights so that we can obtain the life expectancy of what the system. Also to report perpetrators attempting to vandalize Rail Infrastructure equipment to our call centre listed below
Call Centre: 021 449 4026
Your co-operation and assistance will be highly appreciated.