Estonian Railways will upgrade 100 railway crossings across Estonia this year. These are less frequently used crossings. The work must be completed by the end of the year. The crossings will receive barriers and new signage.
Railway crossings are divided into categories. This is done based on train speed and the number of people. Andro Mikkor is the head of the construction department at Estonian Railways. He explains what work will be done: "We are modifying the pipe barriers. In some places, we are adding an additional pipe. This way, there will be three pipes. We are also repairing the pipe clamps. We are replacing old, dangerous clamps with new, safe ones. Additionally, we are adding new reflective stickers."
The work will also make the crossings safer for blind people. Special stones that can be felt by hand will be added. These will help people with visual impairments.
Each crossing must now have an information board. The board will display the crossing's name, number, and emergency number. In case of a problem or accident, help can be quickly summoned using this number.
Estonian Railways has approximately 150 railway crossings. One hundred of them will be upgraded this year. The work will be carried out across Estonia: in the West, East, and South. For example, in Turba, Paldiski, Narva, Tartu, and Valga.
The cost of the work will be determined later. Trains will continue to operate as usual. The work will not affect train schedules.