Fidler Lane rail crossing

The new crossing will replace the existing Fidler Lane rail crossing, which has been identified as a higher safety risk due to its poor sight distances and low compliance by road users with the stop signs. Fidler Lane has already been closed to motor vehicles, although pedestrian access remains.

The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR), which oversees rail safety in Australia, does not generally support new level crossings. The new crossing  at Heysen Boulevard which is important to the area's infrastructure development was accepted on the basis of the closure of the higher-risk Fidler Lane crossing and no net increase in level crossings was generated.

Community consultation conducted earlier this year revealed strong public support for retaining pedestrian and cyclist access at Fidler Lane. Council has been actively working with SHR to explore safe options for this crossing. In the interim, a temporary 1.8-meter-high fence will be installed to close the Fidler Lane rail crossing to pedestrians and cyclists who will be redirected through residential areas to the new Heysen Boulevard crossing.

Council has initiated the process of developing a safety argument for the future opening of a crossing at Fidler Lane to pedestrian and cyclist traffic. This may involve a grade-separated crossing, such as an overpass or underpass, or a pedestrian maze. The design and construction of a safe crossing are dependent on additional budget and resource allocation, which will be addressed in the coming months.

SteamRanger has also committed to removing the road carriageway and improving drainage at the Fidler Lane site following the road closure. This work will complement any approved future plans for pedestrian access in the area.

Council recognises the importance of the Fidler Lane trail link as part of the district’s growing infrastructure needs. A further update will be provided once the safety review is completed, and the most suitable crossing solution is identified.