8 LEVEL CROSSING SAFETYSUPPLEMENT


A dangerous level crossing at Geilo on the Oslo–Bergen line has been replaced with a new underpass


private crossings (level crossings exclusively for private use, for instance giving access to agricultural land). Two people lost their lives in a taxi at one crossing, while the other two fatalities were 16-year-old men: one a pedestrian and one a cyclist. In both the latter accidents, the young men were listening to music on their MP3 players and failed to hear the train whistling to warn them of its approach. MP3 use is a growing traffic safety issue in that people are less alert to hazards when background noises are masked. The Oslo tram company is constantly experiencing near misses with pedestrians using MP3 players. This issue is of great concern to Jernbaneverket, which is considering running a public education campaign targeting the use of MP3 players in traffic.


Fewer fatalities Over a five-year period in the mid-1970s,


European Railway Review Volume 17, Issue 4, 2011


» Unless otherwise agreed, it is Jernbaneverket’s responsibility to maintain protected level crossings and to ensure that they function properly at all times «


66 people died in level crossing accidents. The number of fatalities has fallen drastically since that time, largely as a result of the constant focus on the dangers of using level crossings, coupled with the fact that many of the most dangerous crossings have been closed or equipped with protection.


3,500 level crossings The Norwegian rail network consists of many level crossings of various types. In all there are 3,500 level crossings, 350 of which are on lines with no regular traffic. Of the 3,150 crossings on


the operational network, only 325 are protected by full or half-barriers, audible warnings and traffic lights. These are chiefly in locations where public roads cross the railway.


Regulations On sections where the line speed exceeds 130km/h, full-barrier level crossings are required. The barriers must cover the entire road on both sides of the tracks. If line speed is to exceed 160km/h, grade-separated crossings are required, and level crossings must be replaced with underpasses or bridges. All new lines are therefore built entirely without level crossings, and road traffic is routed under or over the railway.


Careless driving Most accidents occur at private level crossings with no protective installations such as barriers,


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