Major works to remove the dangerous and congested level crossing on Gap Road in Victoria are now underway, two years ahead of schedule.
This level crossing removal project is being delivered as part of the $2.1 billion Sunbury Line Upgrade, which includes several upgrades along the busy rail corridor that extends from Sunbury to Footscray.
“We are continuing to invest significantly in the growing community of Sunbury to ensure residents have access to better and safer public transport, while also easing congestion on some of our busiest arterial roads.
“The Gap Road level crossing is just one of 85 level crossings we’re removing across Melbourne by 2025, with 60 already gone for good,” Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said.
Over the next four months, Gap Road between Evans and Horne streets will be closed while construction is ongoing.
The level crossing at Gap Road is going to be replaced with a new road under the rail line and works are going to be undertaken at the same time as the upgrades to the Sunbury Line. By simultaneously delivering the works, the boom gates will be permanently gone two years ahead of the initial schedule.
During the closure of Gap Road, road users will be able to cross the rail line at the Macedon Street bridge, via Barkly and Horne streets, while cyclists and pedestrians can use the nearby Sunbury Station overpass. Meanwhile, depots on both sides of the railway will be provided for emergency services for easy access when needed.
Gap Road is due to re-open to traffic later this year, with all works completed in 2023.
“The Gap Road level crossing will be gone in October, improving traffic flow and making it quicker and safer to get around Sunbury – whether you’re driving, cycling, walking or catching the train,” Member for Sunbury Josh Bull said.
Construction on the Gap Road level crossing removal project is going to be undertaken by the Rail Network Alliance. You can read more about the construction contract award here.
The broader Sunbury Line Upgrade will help maximise the benefits of Metro Tunnel when it becomes operational in 2025, allowing for bigger and more modern trains to run on the Sunbury Line as well as providing a connection to the airport via Melbourne Airport Rail in 2029.
To date, the Victorian Government has invested more than $2 billion in infrastructure in Melbourne’s booming northwest region – including the Sunbury Road Upgrade, Sunbury Line Upgrade and the new Sunbury Station car park that has 300 new spaces.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Victoria’s Big Build