NSW: Oversize Overmass permits for access across rail level crossings
Source: Transport for NSW
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), National Heavy Vehicle Regular (NHVR) and Transport for NSW (Transport) are collaborating to improve processing times for Rail Infrastructure Manager (RIM) assessment of Oversize Overmass (OSOM) movements across rail level crossings.
To help streamline approvals, ARTC and Transport are developing a level crossing assessment methodology for state roads in NSW aimed at lowering overall permit volumes.
In addition, ARTC will now provide 12-month permit applications and is investigating ways to:
- automate and digitise the permit review process
- standardise risk assessments.
ARTC has allocated additional resources in the short term to help reduce the backlog of permit applications.
ARTC is also working on additional potential solutions to further improve the process and reduce industry impacts. Industry will be kept informed as progress is made.
Transport has also offered funding to ARTC for a dedicated resource to:
- process permit applications
- implement process improvements to reduce approval timeframes
- identify opportunities to expand or create new Notice networks to eliminate the need for permits
- integrate ARTC assets into NHVR Go and National Network Map to reduce administrative burden.
These efforts respond to a significant increase in OSOM permit requests to RIMs. While the long standing requirement for consulting with RIMs has not changed, we are now requesting documented evidence of these approvals, due to an estimated high level of non-compliance. As a result, RIMs in NSW have experienced a significant increase in permit requests and have not received these volumes previously, despite the condition to consult having always been a requirement.
We understand these requirements may be causing unintended operational impacts, and we are actively working with RIMs to help maintain both safety and productivity for industry.
Road Managers and RIMs share responsibility for managing risks at road–rail interfaces. Safety remains our highest priority. Due to the size and configuration of these vehicles, and the complex, high-risk nature of level crossings, it’s important that safety is carefully considered as part of the planning process.
Through these collective efforts, we anticipate incremental improvements over time, with all parties committed to ongoing collaboration and refinement.
We will continue to keep you updated as progress is made.
