They say the rail authority’s move last month to clear vegetation from a stretch along Minchinbury Tce has dramatically altered the streetscape and has impacted on birdlife and traffic noise.

Resident John Teague said the axing of about 100 mature trees and shrubs from a 100m stretch at the front of his property had changed the quiet street.

“By removing these 100 native trees you have effectively destroyed the habitat of many native birds, lizards, insects and countless other types of wildlife, not to mention the trees themselves,” he wrote in a letter of complaint to SA Transport Minister Patrick Conlon.

The father of two young children told the Guardian Messenger the green belt was a “major consideration” in his decision to purchase a house in the area.

He called for it to be restored as a matter of urgency.

“There was a great native flora barrier there and they’ve just destroyed it with no explanation, no reason and no merit.

“I think it’s totally underhanded and not fair at all that an authority can go ahead and do what it pleases without any consultation with residents.”

Neighbour Alex Ostapchuk said the rail strip now looked “terrible”.

“I think they took it too far they could have just trimmed the trees they didn’t have to chop them all down,” he said.

Former Independent Mitchell MP Kris Hanna said he had been approached by many “irate” residents about the issue.

“I know a number of people in the area have been really irate about it not only because of the way it was done, but because there’s been no promise to remedy the damage,” he said.

Transport Department spokesman Ross Stargatt said the vegetation was cleared as part of a TransAdelaide safety program along the corridor.

“Trees near the Oaklands interchange were removed for safety reasons due to the risk of tree limbs dropping on to the track and to ensure train drivers have clear, uninterrupted views of signals and the track ahead,” he said in an emailed statement.

“Train stopping distances are relatively lengthy and for this reason train drivers must have as much notice as possible of people on or about the track.”

He said once the electrification work along the corridor was complete, TransAdelaide would look into options for planting “low-level flowering native shrubbery and grasses” in the area.

via Messenger News

“Some things are worth waiting for” was released as a television advertisement this April, showing a driver approaching a level crossing as the wigwags start flashing. The driver is shown as hesitant to slow down, however what comes along the track is not the physical train that one expects. What he sees are all of his happiest memories in life in a succession, giving him incentive to keep living. The tag line “some things are worth waiting for” implies that drivers can prolong their lives by waiting for trains.

To assist in consolidating their message, AOAs have been applied not only to a Flexity tram in complete wrap, but Pacific National’s NR16 as well. The DTEI’s AOA ads have been designed so that from a level crossing they resemble the memory train in the advertisement. The tram has been seen in regular service through the city since its wrap was applied, especially at peak times, while the NR has seen service on freight trains and Great Southern Rail’s Overland service to Melbourne.

The advertisements are expected to remain on the vehicles for the duration of the DTEI’s campaign.

RailSA

That is the message in a new level-crossing safety campaign, launched yesterday, in a $13.3 million program over four years to improve safety.

Since 2001, 33 people have been killed at rail and tram level crossings in SA. A further 71 have been seriously injured.

“This new television, radio and print campaign reminds drivers that paying attention and waiting just a few moments can save your life and the lives of your loved ones,” Road Safety Minister Tom Koutsantonis said yesterday.

“By showing special moments from a man’s life flashing before him as a train speeds past, the advertisements pose the question – what will you miss out on if you don’t stop at a level crossing?

“The ads remind drivers that by failing to stop at a level crossing they are jeopardising their chance to live magical milestones such as weddings, the birth of a child and special occasions with family and friends.”

The National Rail Level Crossing Study, prepared by Roy Morgan Research last April, found 29 per cent of South Australians had taken risks at crossings.

Almost one in five had unknowingly crossed a rail level crossing.

Mr Koutsantonis said drivers, pedestrians and cyclists at level crossings never should queue over the crossing or try to out-run a train or evade closing boom gates.

AdelaideNow

Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said about 100 accidents occurred at rail crossings each year.

“The investment we are making will not only improve road safety but also support local jobs and local businesses during the current global recession,” he said.

Crossings in Virginia, Two Wells, Mallala and Korunye will be amongst those receiving boom barrier upgrades.

AdelaideNow