The Victorian Government has revealed the final designs for two new road bridges that will remove level crossing in Diggers Rest, improving safety and travel times in Melbourne’s north.
The new road bridges will improve safety for the approximately 8,000 motorists that are typically stuck at the level crossing for 36 minutes every morning – with 27 trains travelling through each boom gate during the morning peak.
At Old Calder Highway, the road will be diverted to the west over the rail line near Stan Payne Reserve, before curving to the north to connect with Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road.
The new two-lane road bridge will include a raised cycle path over the rail line and upgraded lighting to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.
The Diggers Rest Station precinct will feature new accessible pedestrian and cycling paths, along with new public open spaces for locals and commuters to enjoy – making the station precinct safer and more connected.
New longer bus bays will also be built to the west of Diggers Rest Station to service existing and future bus routes, with new shelters, seats and upgraded walking paths.
At Watsons Road, the new road bridge has been designed to accommodate for future residential developments, with future pathways able to connect to the new pedestrian path on the bridge.
Early works will begin in mid-2024 ahead of major works later in the year, with the new bridges completed and the level crossings gone for good in 2025.
The Sunbury Line will be level crossing free in 2025 and will soon connect to the Metro Tunnel, creating capacity for more trains to run more often on the line.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Danny Pearson, said that removing the two level crossings at Diggers Rest will make the Sunbury Line level crossing free, paving the way for more services, more often when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025.
“We have removed 75 level crossings and we aren’t stopping, with 110 going by 2030, improving travel times across Melbourne and making local roads safer for drivers,” Mr Pearson said.
Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull, said that this project will transform the way locals live, work and travel in Diggers Rest by creating easier, safer access across the rail corridor and reducing congestion during peak hour.
“The inclusion of community spaces, cycling paths and improved lighting and CCTV will ensure the project leaves a positive legacy for the local community.”
Image credit: AdamCalaitzis/shutterstock.com
