All level crossings that are not protected by barriers have been closed.
By SYBIL EHRLICH
Israel Railways announced a series of steps it will take to improve safety as a result of the findings of the police investigation into the accident near Kibbutz Revadim in June.
Eight people were killed and more than 200 injured when a truck drove onto an unguarded level crossing.
All level crossings that are not protected by barriers have been closed, and there no longer will be any such crossings.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Transportation, NIS 1 billion is to be budgeted for building grade separations bridges or tunnels at 31 locations where roads cross railway tracks.
A joint committee consisting of the ministry, Israel Railways and the Public Works Authority is being established to carry out this work.
An emergency telephone number (*2442) to report dangers on level crossings has been instituted. Members of the public can call this number from any location 24 hours a day. Signs to this effect have been affixed at every level crossing in the country.
All railway lines now under construction, such as Beersheba-Dimona (due to open in December), Modi’in and the fast line to Jerusalem, will be built with grade separations between road and rail.
According to IR director-general Ofer Linczewski, the company considers safety to be a top priority. He said the 27 million people who travel on the country’s railways every year can rest assured that IR will continue to be the safest means of transport.
The Revadim accident was the first in the country’s history in which train passengers were killed.