MILLSWOOD residents are calling for action to stop "piercing and distressing" noise coming from a pedestrian railway crossing near their homes.A group of more than 20 residents say an alarm bell at the crossing rings up to 100 times a day to alert pedestrians to approaching trains.
The warning alarm was installed at the corner of Fairfax Ave and Cromer Pde in November as part of the Goodwood Rail Junction Upgrade.
Last September News Ltd revealed [color=#999999]Hawthorn residents were also being kept awake at night by electric signals at level crossings on the Belair line.[/color]
The pitch on these signals has since been lowered.
How is the sound of the ringing bells impacting on your life? Comment below.
Millswood residents are angry about a new warning alarm at the pedestrian rail crossing on Cromer Parade. Picture: Noelle Bobrige
Adam Goodfellow, who lives about 50m from the crossing, said there had been no safety issues with a silent crossing in the past.
"We find it hard to sleep - it wakes me up in the morning because it's such an offending noise," Mr Goodfellow said.
"The alarm is unnecessary and invasive.
"It's a quiet neighbourhood and the pedestrian crossing doesn't get used often.
"We bought the house 10 years ago when there was a quiet pedestrian crossing, but now that's changed."
Lisa Brice, who lives 40m away from the crossing, said she would rather have the crossing removed than continue to live with the noise.
"It cannot go on like this," Ms Brice said.
"The noise is so piercing and distressing."
A train passes through the crossing about every five minutes between 7am and 9am on weekdays, according to train timetables.
The Transport Department has measured the noise 3m away from the crossing at 69dB - about the same as heavy traffic.
A Transport Department spokeswoman said the warning alarm was needed for pedestrian safety, especially people with vision impairments.
She said the alarm volume and tone met all relevant standards, including Environment Protection Authority guidelines and legislation.
The department has built a 1.2m-high wall to reduce noise affecting the nearest house west of the crossing.
Residents met with Opposition Transport Spokeswoman Vickie Chapman last week to discuss the issue.
Ms Chapman said if elected the Liberal Party would explore options to remove the alarm or reduce its volume.
"The community has raised their concerns but there's been a complete dismissal from the government," Ms Chapman said.
How is the sound of the ringing bell impacting on your life? Comment below.
I do find it interesting. I can understand the residents plight. It should be noted that this the crossing immediatley south of the Underpass at Goodwood, next to the entrance to Sasmee Park.
I also look at how silent the electric trains, the speed of trains through the underpass, the blind approach from the underpass and can understand why this crossing became an active one. The silent crossing was fine whilst trains were approaching at 25km/h whist the speed restriction over the diamond crossing in place. This is no longer an issue, and an electric train approaching at 50km/h accelerating up the grade from the underpass will make little noise, and a blind pedestrian could potentially be killed without some form of active protection that is audible.
Perhaps the compromise is that the alarm volume reduced, but remain active once the gates are shut.