A local Bairnsdale resident has expressed concern over how long it is taking VicRoads to replace a railway crossing sign that warns people of the train line crossing over the Princes Highway as you enter the township.

Zach Hibbins said he noticed the sign knocked over in the long grass on the side of the road on July 1.

He notified VicRoads who initially told him that it was V/Line’s responsibility.

However, after contacting V/Line, he was assured VicRoads were responsible for signage on roadways.

After again phoning VicRoads, he said a visual messaging board was placed on the roadside the following day.

Mr Hibbins says the temporary sign is too far away from the actual crossing and needs to be closer as the previous sign was.

He also remains puzzled as to why it is taking VicRoads so long to replace the original sign, which had flashing lights on it and was situated closer to the actual crossing.

A similar sign with flashing lights is situated on the east side of the crossing to warn of the danger of trains crossing the highway.

“It’s been more than 30 days, which is really too long to have not erected a sign on the west side,” Mr Hibbins said.

“VicRoads told me the original sign, which had been knocked over, couldn’t be repaired, but why has it taken so long to replace it.

“You’d think they’d get it up as soon as possible rather than worrying about the roadside barriers.”

He also believes rumble strips to alert people to the crossing on the west side would be a sensible idea.

Mr Hibbins says this would help motorists, who aren’t familiar with the area, receive adequate warning about the potential danger.

The crossing is immediately preceded by a sharp bend in the road on the west side.

“A train can’t just pull up... does there have to be a fatality before they (authorities) realise just how dangerous it is?” Mr Hibbins questioned.

Earlier this month, a woman from the Mornington Peninsula drove through the rail crossing as the boom gates were lowering.

The accident happened on July 16 at about 5.15pm and resulted in one of the boom gate arms snapping off.

While the exact circumstances of the accident are unclear, police say driver distraction is the major contributor of traffic accidents today.

A senior road traffic police officer told the Advertiser that there hadn’t been many accidents at the crossing previously.

In a statement, VicRoads said a replacement sign had to be specially made and its installation is due to begin this week.

PICTURED: Zach Hibbins is concerned signage warning on the Princes Highway as you approach Bairnsdale isn’t adequate to warn of the rail line crossing the road.