Another dangerous and congested level crossing in Victoria will soon be gone for good as early works commence, the final design revealed, and a construction contract awarded for the Mt Derrimut Road level crossing removal project.
An alliance between McConnell Dowell, Arup, Mott Macdonald, Metro Trains Melbourne, V/Line and the Level Crossing Removal Project has been awarded the contract to deliver the $234 million project.
Early works are now underway, including ground testing and assessments along with other activities such as site establishment and works along the rail corridor – these works will continue to ramp up throughout this month.
On the other hand, final designs unveiled for the multi-million-dollar project include a new 1.2-kilometre elevated rail bridge over Mt Derrimut Road to replace the level crossing and a new Deer Park Station.
The designs include a new transport hub that features a brand-new train station, a multi-bay bus interchange, spacious landscaped forecourts, roof gardens, a secure Parkiteer bike cage and bike hoops, and 150 new and upgraded car parking spaces.
The new Deer Park Station will have pick-up and drop-off zones on both sides of the rail line along with two accessible, elevated platforms with lifts, ramps and stairs. The station also features an air-conditioned waiting room, pathways, lighting and security cameras all throughout the precinct.
Safer connections for cyclists and pedestrians are also going to be delivered within the precinct. The new pedestrian connection will link to suburbs on both sides of the rail line, giving easier access to new residential areas in Derrimut, schools, parks and healthcare services.
This new hub – with more bike storage, better connections and increased commuter car parking – will not only improve connectivity for passengers but will also help maximise transport links.
By 2024, the Geelong and Ballarat lines will be level crossing free between Deer Park and the city thanks to the removal of the Derrimut Road level crossing along with the Fitzgerald Road and Robinsons Road crossings – which are both already under construction.
“This dangerous level crossing has impacted people, trains and traffic due to collisions and near misses, and we’re thrilled it’s now on the way to be gone for good.
“We’ll also deliver a brand new station – and continue to remove the level crossings at Robinsons Road in Deer Park, and Fitzgerald Road in Ardeer level crossings, which will make these suburbs level crossing free, slashing travel times,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
Major construction activities on the Mt Derrimut Road level crossing removal project are scheduled to begin in mid-2022 and completed in 2024.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Level Crossing Removal Project (1, 2)