Works commence to remove another level crossing in Victoria

Works have commenced on the $114 million Buckley Street level crossing removal project in Essendon, with construction crews ready to relocate underground utilities as well as remove vegetation and establish work sites.

The level crossing on Buckley Street is one of Melbourne’s worst, with boom gates down for approximately 78 minutes during the two-hour morning peak – which causes congestion, frustration and delays for the 11,000 drivers that pass the route daily.

“Removing the level crossing at Buckley Street and 49 others around Melbourne will make our city safer, reduce road congestion and allow more trains, more often,” Acting Minister for Public Transport Luke Donnellan said.

The removal of this level crossing will help improve journey times as well as traffic flow. This project will also make the area safer for drivers, pedestrians and students who travel to the schools nearby.

This project will include:

• New accessible ramps under the station entrance
• Pedestrian signals which will boost safety
• Streetscaping works on Rose and Russell Streets
• New cycling facilities

The Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) worked closely with locals over the past 18 months to help refine the project design so that it will meet the needs of the region’s residents and visitors.

“This is exciting for Essendon, as work gets underway to provide a safer and smoother journey for road and rail users, while preserving the iconic Essendon station.

“I want to thank my local community for their work on this project – these conversations will continue as the work progresses,” Member for Essendon Danny Pearson said.

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Source: Premier of Victoria