Have you ever stopped to count the number of tactiles dots on a train station platform?
There are about 50,000 orange and yellow dots and lines on each platform – or more than 100,000 for stations with 2 platforms – making up a critical part of our rail infrastructure.
Recently crews building the new West Tarneit Station completed the installation of the rail network’s latest set of tactiles, which assist people who are blind or have low vision to safely navigate the rail network.
The important tactiles create a textured surface to provide vital orientation and safety cues. Each individual tactile is hammered into a hole drilled by a precision rig, with the tactiles shaped to be easily detectable by canes or underfoot, but also flat enough to ensure they are not a tripping hazard.
More than 100,000 tactiles are now in place and ready for the opening of the new West Tarneit Station later this year.
The new station near the corner of Davis and Leakes roads will open to passengers following completion of the station precinct, bus interchange and 400 new car parks.
The landscaped precinct will also feature seating, separated walking and cycling pathways, bike hoops and secure bike storage.
In total, more than 17,000 native trees, plants, shrubs and grasses, including wattles, correas, bottlebrushes and flowering gum trees will be planted in the area.
Access to the station will be via a new road from Leakes Road on the southern side of the station, with a signalised intersection being built at Heartlands Boulevard.
The new West Tarneit Station will create better access to public transport for locals and ease pressure on nearby Tarneit Station.
