In this paper I intend to outline very briefly the history of Level Crossing Protection in Victoria and to describe some of the control problems and principal technical features of the design of flashing light signals and half-boom barriers with flashing light signals (later referred to as boom barriers).
Legislation in the United Kingdom requires the Railways to protect the road user at rail-road level crossings. In the United States of America legislation requires the road user not to cross the rail unless he can do so safely.
In Victoria, the British practice of protecting level crossings was used in cities and towns. Today, of the crossings in the Melbourne Suburban Electrified Area, approximately 200 are protected and only about ten are not protected.
Originally protected crossings had hand or interlocked gates while open unprotected crossings were provided with cattle pits and fixed signs bearing the words “Railway Crossing” and “Stop, Look and Listen” with whistle posts, being provided 440 yards on either side of the crossing for engine drivers.