The Victorian Government is calling for Expressions of Interest for two new major packages of level crossing removals and fast tracking North-Western package works following the long term lease of the Port of Melbourne.
As part of the North-Western package, Camp Road in Campbellfield and Buckley Street in Essendon will be fast-tracked.
Member for Essendon Danny Pearson said, “The boom gates at Buckley Street are down for nearly 80 minutes in the morning peak. It’s congested, it’s dangerous, it’s got to go and we’re getting rid of it.”
Works at the two level crossings are expected to begin in 2017 and be completed by 2019.
Member for Niddrie Ben Carroll said, “In just a few years’ time the congested crossing on Buckley Street will be gone, and we’ll be well on the way to removing 49 others across Melbourne, reducing congestion, improving safety and saving lives.”
The North-Western package also includes the removal of level crossings at Glenroy Road in Glenroy, Bell Street in Coburg, and Moreland Road in Brunswick.
Construction of the level crossing removal at Kororoit Creek Road in Williamstown North and the partial duplication of the Altona Loop will also begin in 2017, as part of the Western Package of crossing removals.
The Western package includes the removal of crossings at Abbotts Road in Dandenong South, Aviation Road in Laverton, Ferguson Street in Williamstown, and Cherry and Werribee Streets in Werribee.
Acting Premier James Merlino said, “These death traps clog our streets, hold back our train system and put lives at risk – and we’re not wasting a moment getting rid of them.”
These packages will also help industry build and maintain skilled workforces, with successful bidders required to meet strict performance measures in order to remove the other crossings in their packages of works.
The Victorian Government expects at least 37 dangerous and congested level crossings will removed or underway by the end of 2018, with detailed planning or consultation underway at every remaining crossing.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said, “This is one of the biggest building programs in Australian history, being delivered well ahead schedule and creating thousands of jobs across Victoria.”
More information about the Expressions of Interest is available at tenders.vic.gov.au.
