Of those level crossings, two were in Sale _ at the Raglan St level crossing and on the Sale-Maffra Rd. Both crossings previously featured only flashing lights and bells, and have now each been fitted with boom gates.

According to a spokeswoman from the Department of Transport, the Sale-Heyfield Rd crossing will be upgraded with boom barriers and automated advanced warning signs later this year.

However, the level crossing on Myrtlebank Rd will not have boom gates installed until other sites ranked at a higher priority have been upgraded.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky announced the completion of the safety upgrades through the State and Federal Governments annual Railway Crossing Upgrade Program.

The program means crossings which only had road signage or flashing lights and bells prior to the upgrades now have extra protection.

The Commonwealth provided funding for upgrades at 22 crossings in recognition that level crossing safety is a joint responsibility for the Victorian and Federal Governments.

Ms Kosky said the 46 upgraded crossings now feature improved safety features such as flashing lights, boom barriers, electronic bells and/or automatic pedestrian gates.

Along with 46 level and pedestrian crossing upgrades the Victorian Government also installed Automatic Advanced Warnings Signs (AAWS) at 21 sites and upgraded a further 18 crossings to ensure they are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

''This adds to our growing list of level crossing safety achievements, which includes installing rumble strips at 200 crossings, reducing speeds limits and introducing tougher penalties for drivers who ignore the warning signs at level crossings,'' Ms Kosky said.

Ms Kosky also reminded drivers and pedestrians of their responsibilities and urged them to obey the signals whenever they use a crossing.

''All road users need to obey the signs and remember to never take risks at level crossings because the consequences can be devastating,'' she said.