- Published:
- Friday 25 June 2021
One of the last remaining level crossings on the busy Cranbourne line will be gone for good by 2024, a year ahead of schedule, with works to start early next year on a new road bridge over the rail line at Camms Road.
Artist's impressions were released today for a road bridge that will elevate Camms Road over the rail line, improving safety and easing congestion for the 12,000 drivers passing through each day.
Pedestrians and cyclists will also have a new, safe way to cross the rail line, with the road bridge to feature wide, well-lit paths and the opportunity to enhance the local area through design elements and landscaping.
The community is invited to preview the early artist’s impressions and provide feedback on how people move through the area, and landscaping, walking and cyclist connections and architectural finishes on the new road bridge.
With more than 137 trains passing through each day and more trains soon to be added to the busy line, removing this dangerous and congested crossing is critical to improving safety in one of Melbourne's fastest growing areas.
Although the team has worked hard to minimise the impact of works on nearby land and every effort has been made to ensure residents and businesses won’t be impacted, 18 properties must be acquired.
Property acquisitions are never easy. The Level Crossing Removal Project has attempted to contact affected owners and residents, who will be supported by the project throughout the process.
A road bridge is the only technical solution for this site because it means this dangerous level crossing can be removed without impacting the nearby Cranbourne stabling yards, which would have led to huge disruptions for passengers on the city’s busiest train line and forced a reduction in services right across Melbourne’s entire train network.
Many of the city’s trains are parked overnight and prepared for operations at the stabling yard. Other solutions for the crossing removal would have required the relocation of the stabling yard during construction, which is not possible.
This solution also does the best job at future proofing the area for possible transport upgrades including on the Cranbourne line and to Cranbourne Station, as well a rail extension to Clyde, which is currently in planning. Building a rail trench or rail bridge would impact the ability for these to be delivered.
Other road bridge alignments were also investigated but would have required the acquisition of even more properties.
A road bridge will ensure surrounding streets and paths are better connected, including the vitally important Fairfield Street, which provides access for eight bus services to Cranbourne Station each day.
Construction will start with early works in the first half of next year, and landowners won’t need to vacate the properties until mid-2022.
To provide feedback on the early concept designs, visit engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-cranbourne-line-upgrade.
The Government is spending $1 billion upgrading the Cranbourne Line, including duplicating the line and building a new Merinda Park Station. The works will mean trains can run every 10 minutes and create capacity for 121,000 more passengers every day.
The Victorian Government will also deliver 400 new and upgraded car spaces at Cranbourne Station as part of the Car Parks for Commuters program, featuring improved CCTV and lighting as well as more bicycle parking facilities.
The Level Crossing Removal Project is removing 75 level crossings by 2025, with 46 already gone for good. In 2021, one level crossing is being removed on average each month.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Transport Infrastructure Ben Carroll
“Removing the Camms Road level crossing is one of many upgrades happening on the busy Cranbourne and Pakenham lines – used by more than 90,000 people a day – and brings us closer to making the Cranbourne line level crossing-free.”
“We’re getting on with the job and we’re thrilled to deliver yet another level crossing removal ahead of schedule, meaning passengers and the local community can enjoy the benefits sooner.”
Quote attributable to Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards
“Our local community is one of the fastest growing in Victoria so it’s terrific to see these crucial upgrades continuing, improving safety and easing congestion for locals now and in the future.”