THE Upper Hunter Shire Council is optimistic that an emergency rail crossing will be functioning within a month, following an incident last week when a coal train blocked the Liverpool Street crossing and caused traffic chaos.
Daryl Dutton, general manager of the Upper Hunter Shire Council, said the government departments responsible for implementing emergency crossings had arranged a meeting with the council to find a solution.
“They were looking at an emergency crossing as part of the broader study into the railway crossing options, but we need something now,” Mr Dutton said. “We want something done within a month, with a more permanent solution within a few months.
“While it will only be for emergency service vehicles, we are optimistic there will be a positive response,” he said.