$721m worth of contracts awarded for more VIC level crossing removals

Victoria will soon see more works get underway to remove dangerous and congested level crossing across the State with two significant contracts awarded to an alliance comprised of Laing O’Rourke, Jacobs, and Metro Trains Melbourne. 

The alliance will partner with Level Crossing Removal Project to permanently remove the level crossings at Bedford Road in Ringwood, Dublin Road in Ringwood East, Coolstore Road in Croydon and Cave Hill Road in Lilydale, making these areas level crossing-free in 2025. 

The contract awards include $149 million to remove the Bedford Road level crossing and $572 million to remove the Dublin Road, Coolstore Road and Cave Hill Road crossings. 

At Ringwood and Ringwood East, the Bedford Road and Dublin Road level crossings are going to be removed by building a rail trench under the roads. 

In addition, a brand-new Ringwood East Station is going to be constructed as part of the Dublin Road level crossing removal project – which will include about 460 new and upgraded car parking spaces. The new station will also have a main concourse and a second entrance along with platforms that are accessible by lifts, stairs as well as upgraded walking and cycling paths. 

These new connections will include the missing link from the 19.2-kilometre Heathmont Rail Trail to Bedford Park, which is part of the Bedford Road level crossing removal project. 

Meanwhile in Croydon, the Coolstore Road level crossing is going to be removed by providing a rail bridge over the road that will also pave the way for a new transport hub in 2025. 

A new, premium Croydon Station is going to be built as well and it will feature two entrances, improved safety and access, and better passenger facilities. This project will also deliver new walking and cycling paths through the precinct to help improve pedestrian and cyclist connections. 

The new Croydon transport hub will help to improve the road network in the area by removing the congested Coolstore Road roundabout and building new road connections through the town centre. In addition, a new bus interchange will be built to provide safer and easier access to the station. 

In Lilydale, the level crossing at Cave Hill Road is going to be closed and a new pedestrian underpass is going to be constructed to give Victorians a safe connection across the rail line to Lilydale High School as well as the nearby homes and businesses. 

The new underpass will have stairs and ramps, and it will connect to future walking and cycling paths that will be delivered as part of development in the area. 

Works are due to commence in 2023, with the level crossings permanently gone in 2025 to make the Lilydale Line as well as the Belgrave Line between the City and Ferntree Gully level crossing-free. 

Source: Victoria’s Big Build – Level Crossing Removal Project (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia