KEY POINTS:
Barrier arms will be installed within six months on the Maketu rail crossing where two siblings were killed in June when a log train ploughed into them.
The decision follows a period in which Heather Johnston _ the mother of Ryan and Keeley Jamieson _ plus members of the local community appealed for the arms to be installed on the Maketu Rd crossing at the intersection with State Highway 2.
Ms Johnston told the Bay of Plenty Times that yesterday's announcement by Transit NZ was a positive one for the people of Maketu but it had triggered mixed emotions in her.
"I am really, really happy but also really, really sad. There is no doubt that had they been there that day my children would be alive today because they would never go across the crossing if the bells were going," she said.
Keeley, 20, and Ryan, 22, who lived with their mother in Maketu, were killed when their car was hit by a log train on June 12.
Toll Rail said the warning lights were flashing and bells were ringing at the time though an eye witness said sunstrike could have been a factor in the accident.
But in the aftermath of the tragedy, Ontrack announced it was unlikely barrier arms would be installed because the crossing had less than half of the road traffic that would justify it for an upgrade.
The decision was based on a traffic survey conducted prior to the tragedy.
Ontrack's stance provoked a huge community response and early last month about 130 people attended a public meeting in Maketu to discuss solutions for the railway crossing and persuaded officials to lobby harder for barrier arms.
The meeting, initiated by Western Bay of Plenty District Council's chief executive Glenn Snelgrove and Transit's regional manager Chris Allen, was held on Whakaue Marae.
The appeal for help from residents paid dividends as Transit NZ announced yesterday it would work with Ontrack and Western Bay of Plenty District Council to install the barrier arms.
Transit and Western Bay Council will share the cost of the $70,000 project and Ontrack has agreed to put the project into its priority programme.
Ms Johnston paid thanks to Western Bay Council and Transit for their support and said the barrier arms would save lives.
Glenn Snelgrove, Western Bay chief executive, said the council was pleased to help and recognised the level of community concern with the crossing.
At the forefront of the campaign for barrier arms was Max Johnston, uncle to Ryan and Keeley.
Mr Johnston said yesterday's announcement from Transit NZ should prevent anyone else dying on the crossing but added he wasn't giving up on ideas to make the whole intersection safer.
"It's a big step in the right direction and the first step needed towards a redesign of the whole intersection. It's taken one big obstacle out of the way.
"I'm still keen to push for an underpass through the old Affco tunnel _ it still makes a lot of sense to me."
Trevor Hughes, chairman of the Maketu Community Board, said he was thrilled.
"I'm delighted for the whole of Maketu _ I really thought it was a big ask and I think we should show our gratitude to all those people."
Ontrack spokesman Kevin Ramshaw said a traffic survey undertaken since the accident had shown the number of vehicles using the crossing had increased.
Coupled with the support from Transit and Western Bay, meant the barrier arms could be installed.
Work on the site would start soon and could take up to six months.
- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES
