- Published:
- Friday 22 April 2016
The contract for the removal of every dangerous and congested level crossing between Dandenong and the city is signed, and work will start within weeks.
Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, joined Treasurer Tim Pallas today to announce an alliance including Lendlease, CPB Contractors, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff, Aurecon and Metro Trains Melbourne has been formally awarded the contract for the Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Project.
The $1.6 billion project will remove nine dangerous level crossings, build five new stations, upgrade signalling and power and create 11 MCG’s worth of new public open space.
Together with the 65 new High-Capacity Metro Trains the Labor Government has ordered, the project will create space for 11,000 extra passengers to catch the train on Melbourne’s busiest rail line.
The project will improve the reliability of the metropolitan, regional and freight services, meaning trains will arrive on time, more often.
By elevating the existing line, the project will transform rail and rocks into kilometres of new parks, paths and open space that will be overseen by an expert panel headed by CEO of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Tim Entwisle. A Trust fund has also been established, to ensure the new space is safe, green and cared for in the long term.
The Level Crossing Removal Authority also released the Consultation Outcomes and Submissions Report today, which summarises thousands of pieces of feedback it received from the community.
A range of measures have been incorporated into the project as a result of this feedback, including escalators at all the new stations, more bike paths with better lighting, noise walls along the structure, and more car parking.
Work on the Caulfield to Dandenong project will start at the end of this month, beginning with the installation of fences and site preparations.
The Consultation Report, and more information about the Labor Government’s plan to reduce congestion, improve public transport, create new parks and support local jobs, is available at levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“The project to eliminate these congested death traps is about to begin, and 2000 jobs are about to be created.”
“This project will deliver more room, on more trains to carry more people on Melbourne’s busiest rail line. It’s needed now, and we’re not going to waste a day – we’re going to get it done.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“If we don’t build this project, our roads will grind to a halt and our train system will be overwhelmed.”
“Removing these crossings will relieve pressure on our roads and trains, and make communities along this line better places to live, with new parks, less traffic and more trains.”