A Swedish traffic authority has not met its target to safety upgrade 150 of the most dangerous unprotected level crossings by 2025, despite efforts to reduce fatalities.
The Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) has announced that it has fallen short of its goal to address safety issues at 150 of the most hazardous unprotected level crossings by 2025. Despite significant investments and initiatives over the years, around five people continue to lose their lives annually in accidents at these crossings. Helena RÃ¥dbo, a senior advisor at Trafikverket, acknowledged progress but emphasized that challenges remain ahead in increasing the safety and reducing risks at these crossings.
Since 2019, Trafikverket has been working systematically under government directives to enhance safety at level crossings, where the potential for accidents between trains, vehicles, and pedestrians is high. Sweden has approximately 6,000 level crossings, with about half being unprotected, lacking gates or auditory and visual signals that could alert drivers and pedestrians of approaching trains. The priority list included addressing the 184 crossings assessed to have heightened accident risks, with a target to rectify 150 of them by the year 2025.
So far, only 106 of the designated crossings have been modified. Officials attribute the delays to the complexities involved in upgrading these crossings, which include project planning, land issues, procurement processes, and ensuring cooperation with municipalities. The traffic authority retains its commitment to continue efforts in enhancing safety measures in an ambitious timeline, signaling an ongoing concern over the risks posed by unprotected crossings in Sweden that endanger lives.
