The Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, yesterday announced that the removal of two more level crossings - Grange Road in Alphington and Lower Plenty Rd in Rosanna – will start next year as part of a $500 million package of works that also includes a new Rosanna Station and duplicated Hurstbridge line.
Grange and Lower Plenty Road level crossings are two of Melbourne’s worst, with boom gates down for more than a third of the morning peak, clogging roads in Melbourne’s north eastern suburbs.
Packaging these critical works together will reduce disruption to local residents, businesses and passengers, and mean the benefits of this huge project can be delivered sooner. The fast-tracking of these two level crossings will also mean that the removal of 25 level crossings will be completed by the end of 2019.
"Not only will this reduce local traffic congestion and make these communities safer, it will mean more frequent and reliable trains to Melbourne's growing north eastern suburbs" said Minister Allan.
This unprecedented construction effort is creating thousands of new jobs and transforming Melbourne’s suburbs.
Consultation is already underway at Grange Road and will start soon at Lower Plenty Road and on the Hurstbridge line duplication.
The Request for Proposal for these works will close in July. Construction is expected to commence in 2017 and be complete in 2019. Details are available at www.tenders.vic.gov.au
Source: Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allen