Another tragic reminder of the dangers at rail level crossings has surfaced, this time in Runcorn, Brisbane, where a cyclist was fatally struck by a train while trying to cross as the barriers were coming down. This follows the devastating Cardup crash in Western Australia, where a vehicle collided with a train at a rural crossing, underscoring just how vulnerable these sites remain across the country.
These are not isolated events. According to the TrackSAFE Foundation, between 2016 and 2023, Australia recorded 1,426 rail-related fatalities, injuries, and attempted suicides, with 195 incidents directly tied to level crossings (165 involving vehicles and 30 pedestrians).
These losses are preventable.
A Smarter Way Forward - Unleash live’s Level Crossing Safety Solution
Unleash live is partnering with state government departments to deploy its Machine Learning AI video analytics platform at high-risk rail crossings with a goal of using real-time data to detect, predict, and help prevent future incidents.
Our Level Crossing App, part of the Unleash live platform, analyses live video feeds to identify hazards in real time, whether it's a vehicle approaching too fast, failing to stop, or a pedestrian entering the danger zone.
What the System Can Do:
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Estimate vehicle speeds across key zones
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Measure stop-line compliance
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Detect and classify vehicles and pedestrians
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Track train frequency and near-miss events
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Monitor for trespassing and send real-time alerts
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Generate insights to inform planning and enforcement
Under the Hood - Smart Infrastructure Built for Scale
The system combines edge and cloud infrastructure for continuous, reliable performance:
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Tier A – Powerstack Poles: Durable, solar-powered, with built-in battery for all-weather conditions
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Tier B – Ezzy Poles: Lightweight, modular, and cost-efficient
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Routers with static IP SIMs ensure consistent connectivity
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POE/WiFi cameras provide 180° wide field of view
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Live feeds are streamed securely to the Unleash live Cloud Platform, giving authorities real-time access and historical footage analysis
Beyond Visibility - Real Safety Impact
This isn’t just about monitoring, it’s about taking action before something happens. TfNSW can now:
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Flag dangerous driving behaviours
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Identify peak risk periods
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Visualise trends across 1,300+ crossings statewide
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Integrate insights into wider safety and infrastructure plans
By replacing reactive incident reporting with proactive prevention, Unleash live’s system helps authorities step in where visibility, timing, and human monitoring often fall short.
Saving Lives Through Vision
Every life lost at a level crossing is one too many. With tragedies like Cardup and Runcorn, the message is clear, current systems aren’t enough.
At Unleash live, we believe technology must play a central role in public safety. Our platform is purpose-built to prevent the next incident, not just analyse the last one.
We invite transport authorities, safety regulators, and infrastructure planners to explore how our Level Crossing AI App can support a safer, smarter network.
📩 Contact us to learn more
🔗 Book a demo or get in touch
🔗 Unleash live Knowledgebase: Level Crossing AI
🔗 Platform Overview
🔗 TrackSAFE Report (2016–2023)
🔗 Cyclist Hit At Runcorn Crossing
🔗 Truckie Accidient at Cardup Crossing
