The removal of two more dangerous and congested level crossings in Melbourne is being fast tracked to make the Lilydale line boom-gate free by 2025.
The level crossings at Mont Albert Road in Mont Albert and Union Road in Surrey Hills are going to be permanently removed by next year.
“Works will get underway to ensure two more of Melbourne’s most notorious level crossings on the Lilydale line are gone for good – including at Union Road in Surrey Hills – which was tragically the site of two fatalities in 2016.
“The Lilydale Line will be boom-gate free by 2025 – improving travel times and creating safer journeys for locals in the area – by never being stuck at the level crossings again,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
The rail line is going to be lowered into an open trench under the roads to replace the level crossings. In addition, a new premium station is going to be built between Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.
With the boom gates down up to 40 per cent during the morning peak, the crossings hold back the movement of over 22,000 motorists daily.
By replacing the level crossings with a rail-under-road design, it will improve safety and traffic flow along the Lilydale line as well as provide more frequent and reliable services for the thousands of passengers who use the Belgrave and Lilydale lines each weekday.
“We’re making the area safer and less congested by getting rid of these two level crossings – taking away the lottery of waiting at the boom gates,” Member for Box Hill Paul Hamer said.
Major construction activities will soon commence, with moving and upgrading of signalling, power and communication lines also set to begin to pave the way for the delivery of the new 1.3-kilometre-long rail trench between Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.
Excavation works will also get underway at Lorne Parade Reserve for the lowering of a major water main 9.6 metres underground.
As part of the project, over 52,000 trees, plants and shrubs are going to be planted along with new paths and cycling links constructed through Lorne Parade Reserve.
Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Level Crossings Removal Project (1, 2, 3); Inside Construction