Two level crossings upgraded to solar power by Inland Rail

Two level crossings in regional New South Wales have been upgraded to run entirely on solar power, marking a first for both the Inland Rail project and the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) network.

The crossings, located north of Moree and Narrabri, were converted from passive to active systems as part of final works on the Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 section of Inland Rail.

The upgrade introduces standalone solar-powered technology in place of traditional grid-connected electricity.

Level crossings typically rely on mains power supported by battery backups.

However, the new standalone power systems eliminate the need for connection to existing electrical infrastructure or the construction of new assets, reducing land access requirements and limiting disruption to nearby landholders.

Each crossing has been fitted with solar-powered high-intensity LED flashing lights, warning bells and retro-reflective boom gates aimed at improving safety for road and rail users.

The systems have undergone testing and commissioning and are now fully operational.

The solar setup includes onboard battery storage to allow overnight operation and provide emergency backup. Remote monitoring technology has also been installed, enabling faults and system performance to be tracked off-site.

The upgrades form part of Inland Rail’s broader sustainability push.

The Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 section has already received an ‘Excellent’ As Built rating from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council, reflecting its environmental and design standards.

The project is also rolling out solar-powered signalling systems at other sites along the alignment, which will supply electricity once the railway becomes operational.

Inland Rail is a 1600-kilometre freight rail line under construction, designed to connect Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The project has been divided into 12 sections to support staged delivery.

Planning decisions for sections of Inland Rail north of Narromine remain under consideration by the Australian government.

A spokesperson for Inland Rail said utilising solar-powered standalone power systems avoids impacts to local communities, clearing and the environment and reduces the cost of Inland Rail.

“The Narrabri to North Star project is yet another example of Inland Rail’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and industry leadership,” the spokesperson said.