THE uncomfortable jolting of prams, bikes and scooters when crossing the train tracks at Bellambi level crossing will be confined to history this weekend when new technology is installed.

In a state-first, rubber panels will be placed between the rail tracks at Bellambi station over the weekend, while the line is closed for repair works.

The panels, known as VeloSTRAIL are made of hard-wearing rubber that sits against the edge of the rails.

The panels cover the gaps between train tracks, providing an easy path for people to walk or roll over the rails, while allowing trains to pass over the level crossing.

The rubber panels can also be easily removed and re-laid for track maintenance, reducing the need to rip-up and replace concrete and asphalt.

The panels will be initially installed as part of a three-month trial, with the Bellambi community invited to provide feedback, to ensure the new technology works in context. It follows the establishment of test sites in Coledale and Albion Park, away from stations that assessed if the panels had any impact on train operations and the network.

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said if this trial is successful, VeloSTRAIL will be rolled out to more stations across the state to help achieve the government’s goal of making all train stations compliant with Disability Standards for accessible public transport.

“At some stations, such as Bellambi, a level crossing forms part of the access path, and by closing the gap between the track rails and the pedestrian surface, we can begin to close the accessibility gap even further for more commuters,” Minister Haylen said.

NSW Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park said bike riders, and wheelchair and pram users will benefit with the Bellambi trial.

“The Illawarra is the best part of the state to live, and the best part of the state to trial this neat piece of technology,” he said.

“It might look simple, but I reckon it’ll be a real game-changer for this station. I have no doubt we’ll be calling for it to be rolled out at other stations across the Illawarra in no time.”

VeloSTRAIL has been installed at more than 1000 sites across Europe, the US, New Zealand, Victoria and Queensland.

This NSW-first trial is part of the Bellambi Station upgrade, part of the Transport Access Program that is enabling accessibility upgrades across the state. This program was expanded as part of the 2023-24 budget with an additional $300 million investment.

Traffic changes and Rail Repair Plan works on Saturday October 7 and Sunday October 8

During the weekend works, motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions at the level crossing on Bellambi Lane for installation work to be carried out between Francis Street and Brompton Road.

The road will be closed to build footpaths, install new gates and install the VeloSTRAIL panels.

A single lane closure will take place between 6pm Friday October 6 and 4am Saturday October 7.

A full road closure will occur between 4am Saturday October 7 and 4am Monday October 9.

Detours and traffic control will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists.

Motorists are asked to observe signs for up-to-date information regarding the latest closure information, drive to the conditions and follow the directions of traffic control.

For the latest traffic updates visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Buses will replace trains on the T4 Illawarra Line and the South Coast Line, as work continues at Bellambi and across the network as part of the Rail Repair Plan.

There will be 865 workers removing 18 high-priority defects, completing electrical inspections and repairing 42km of track across the T4 Illawarra and South Coast line.

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