Calls for federal funding for SA rail

The Commonwealth must help fund the $750 million replacement of South Australia's most dangerous railway crossings, an industry group says.

The Civil Contractors Federation of Australia says five key sites, including four in regional centres, urgently need an underpass or overpass and each will cost up to $150m.

With more than 700 level crossings across the state, the federation also wants a rolling program to replace at least five each year.

"Installing bells and whistles and cameras at level crossings is all well and good but is not a solution," SA chief executive Phil Sutherland said on Monday.

"There is a major public safety issue at play here."

Mr Sutherland said between 2001 and 2010 24 people were killed in level crossing accidents across SA with another 74 injured.

He said the best way to prevent further deaths was to separate cars and trains by taking the roads over or under every intersection.

SA could also use the infrastructure injection to "build its way out" of an economic slump, Mr Sutherland said.

SA's FIVE MOST DANGEROUS LEVEL CROSSINGS:

* Pym Street, Dudley Park

* Railway Terrace, Coonalpyn

* Main North Road, Winninowie

* Port Flinders Causeway, Port Pirie

* Monteith Level Crossing, Tailem Bend West.

Source: Royal Automobile Association.