- Published:
- Saturday 10 October 2020
Works have continued at pace on the Victorian Government’s level crossing removals as Victorians have stayed home to slow the spread of coronavirus – with progress forging ahead on more than 20 key projects right across the city to free up congested roads, build new stations and deliver open spaces and community precincts.
Two dangerous and congested level crossing removals at Neerim Road and Glen Huntly Road in Glen Huntly will be fast-tracked, with construction to start next year, the boom gates gone in 2023 and the project complete in 2024 - a year ahead of schedule, accelerating thousands of jobs for Victorians as the state recovers from the pandemic.
The level crossings will be removed by lowering the line into a trench – saving travel time for the 20,000 vehicles traveling through the two level crossings each day, with boom gates down for around half the morning peak.
With more than 200 trains passing through each day, the level crossings cause significant delays for cyclists, pedestrians and trams moving through the busy local area. The project will include a new, modern Glen Huntly station and precinct – improving connectivity and enhancing community safety.
These two level crossings are the last of 18 to go on the Frankston line – once removed, the line will be crossing-free between Flinders Street and Moorabbin Station thanks to the Government’s $3 billion investment on the line.
The Government has also revealed designs for a new North Williamstown Station as part of the level crossing removal project at Ferguson Street, and for the new Glenroy Station as early works continue to remove its level crossing by 2022.
The new North Williamstown precinct will be created by lowering the rail line under the road at Ferguson Street - upgrading the station and delivering a brand-new forecourt, with designs shaped by extensive community consultation prioritising heritage station buildings and more green space.
As one of the most congested roads in Melbourne’s north, Glenroy Road sees about 19,000 vehicles cross the level crossing each day – and boom gates can be down for 43 per cent of the morning peak. By 2022 the level crossing will be removed by lowering the rail line under the road, and a new modern station precinct will be built.
Located in the busy shopping precinct, the new Glenroy Station will be a modern gateway for commuters travelling to and from the area, while improving local connections within the suburb – and the project will be built with minimal disruption to trains on the line.
The Government is removing 75 level crossings by 2025 – with 38 dangerous and congested level crossings already gone for good on budget and ahead of schedule. For more information about Victoria’s infrastructure agenda, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“Our level crossing removal project isn’t just getting rid of those dangerous and congested boom gates – we’re delivering new train stations, more open space and new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.”
“We’ve removed half of the 75 level crossings we promised, well ahead of schedule – and with works continuing in line with strict safety protocol during the pandemic, we’re not wasting a minute getting the rest gone for good.”