Last year the Czech railway infrastructure manager, modernised the most level crossings in history17/1/2023|Press releasesIncreasing safety at level crossings is one of the priorities of Správa železnic. Last year was a record year in this respect, with 233 level crossings reconstructed thanks to sufficient funding. The original plan envisaged the modification of 150 level crossings. In addition to the modernisation and new signalling equipment, the cancellation of level crossings as such has also ensured greater traffic safety. This happened at more than 100 locations. "Strengthening safety at level crossings has positive impacts on both rail and road traffic. This is one of our main priorities and we do not intend to slacken in this in the years to come. We are replacing the warning crosses with light safety equipment and we are installing bars. Last year alone we invested CZK 3.1 billion in level crossings and their safety, the highest figure in history," says Jiří Svoboda, Director General of Správa železnic. A total of 233 level crossings were reconstructed in 2022, while the plans envisaged that 150 level crossings would be reconstructed in the this period. Správa železnic also focused on the cancellation of certain level crossings. And they succeeded with this in 102 locations. This is also a record number. Level crossings are cancelled not only where the line crosses a forest road, but also in areas with high traffic density. In this case they are replaced by an overpass or underpass. A further reduction in the number of level crossings of approximately 5 percent is expected until 2030. Správa železnic will not relent in further increasing the safety at level crossings this year either. Upgrades will be carried out in 130 locations, the total cost will exceed CZK 1.8 billion. As far as the construction of grade-separated crossings is concerned, a new overpass in Olomouc-Holice should start to be built this year to replace the existing crossing on the corridor line. Level crossings as of 31 December 2022 Total number of level crossings 7 646 Level crossings equipped with safety equipment 4 269 – of which level crossings equipped with bars 1 772 Level crossings protected by warning crosses 3 377