Numerous social media posts about dangerous drivers speeding through the flashing lights and narrowly missing trains have prompted the question of upgraded safety.

But, because the crossing has had "no incidents" recently, the upgrade isn't a priority.

"In the 10 years from November 2009 to November 2019 there have been no incidents at the Carroll Street level crossing in Gunnedah," executive director of the centre for road safety Bernard Carlon said.

"As a result, this level crossing is not currently considered as a priority for upgrading to boom gates on the NSW Level Crossing Improvement Program."

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But, Mr Carlon said the gates could be installed after a risk assessment.

"The rail infrastructure manager, in consultation with the road manager, may elect to install boom gates as part of their capital program after a site specific risk assessment," he said.

Factors that Transport for NSW take into account when deciding if a crossing needs gates includes "speed, frequency and types of trains that pass through a level crossing, traffic volume and type of vehicles, crossing conditions and incident data".

"When level crossing controls are to be upgraded to flashing lights and boom gates, rail infrastructure managers will approve designs and install and commission the infrastructure," Mr Carlon said.

"The maximum train speed over the Carroll Street Gunnedah level crossing is 85km/h for both passenger and freight trains."

The Marquis Street crossing has boom gates and flashing lights, meanwhile the New Street crossing is being upgraded to an overpass by Daracon and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

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