A further eight dangerous level crossings will be removed from Melbourne’s streets by 2027, in a continuation of the Victorian Government’s ‘Big Build’ campaign.
The State Government estimates that about 71,000 vehicles currently travel through these level crossings during morning peak hours, resulting in up to 30 minutes of disruptions due to the closing of boom gates.
Sixty-six level crossings have already been removed since the beginning of the Big Build project six years ago, beating the Government’s stated goal of fifty, with plans underway to introduce 37 new and renovated stations, including those in Bell and Preston which reopened to the public in early September, 2022.
The government, if re-elected in November, says it is on-track to remove a total 85 level crossings by 2025.
Level crossings slated for removal include:
- Albert Street, Brunswick
- Albion Street, Brunswick
- Brunswick Road, Brunswick
- Dawson Street, Brunswick
- Hope Street, Brunswick
- Union Street, Brunswick
- Victoria Street, Brunswick
- Park Street, Parkville
Once completed, there will be no level crossings between Parkville and Coburg on the Upfield Line.
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, said removing level-crossings results in safer and more efficient outcomes for Melbourne commuters.
“Every Victorian knows the dinging sound of boom gates coming down and the frustration that comes with it, that’s why we’re getting rid of them – saving lives, easing congestion and getting you home sooner,” Ms Allan said.
“We’re getting rid of eight more of these death traps on the Upfield Line – making local roads safer, improving traffic flow, and clearing the way for more trains, more often.”
Complementing the removal is an elevated rail bridge, also to be built on the Upfield line, which will clear the way for new dedicated bike and pedestrian paths from the northern suburbs’ Bell St to Park St in the south.
The Victorian Government says the elevated level crossing will allow for improved outcomes for pedestrians and cyclists, making the Upfield Bike Path one of Melbourne’s most important cycling assets and further improving transport connections between the northern suburbs and CBD.
Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, said that the Big Build project currently employs 20,000 people, who together have completed over 8,000 jobs representing a combined total of 72 million work hours.
“We’re not wasting a minute removing dangerous and congested level crossings across Melbourne, ahead of schedule, with 66 already gone for good – and we’re not slowing down any time soon,” Mr Andrews said.
“We’re creating local jobs, with 20,000 people employed across our Big Build, increasing safety and reducing congestion – it’s good for the economy, and good for Victorians.”
The Upfield works are expected to be completed by 2027, with community consultation and project design works slated to begin during early 2023.
