Melbourne’s Level Crossing Removal Project has hit a new milestone as works finish on a bridge to remove the city’s 30th level crossing.
The Aviation Road bridge has been opened months ahead of schedule, removing the Laverton level crossing on the Werribee line.
Around 140 passenger and freight trains use this line every day and can now travel under the bridge without interrupting road traffic.
Before the bridge was constructed, the boom gates at the level crossing could be closed for more an hour during the morning peak.
The new bridge includes a pedestrian walkway and dedicated bike lanes, with a new road connection that maintains access to the Royal Australian Airforce Base.
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The former level crossing its closed to vehicles, although pedestrians will still be able to access the nearby Aircraft Station via the existing pedestrian crossing, which will be upgraded as part of the final works.
Other upgrades include creating a new shared-use path along Maher Road and landscaping around the area.
Community consultation has been undertaken on the designs to remove further level crossings at Old Geelong Road, Cherry Street and Werribee Street. These are the last three level crossings in Wyndham, with all to be removed in 2022.
The Level Crossing Removal Project plans to remove 75 level crossings around Melbourne by 2025.
Transport Infrastructure Minister, Jacinta Allan, said the State Government isn’t slowing down with its program to remove level crossings.
“The removal of this level crossing means a safer, more reliable journey for both road and rail users travelling through the Laverton area,” she said.
Member for Altona, Jill Hennessy, said there has been a huge amount of work undertaken over the last year to remove the level crossing and transform the area.
“I’d like to thank both the project team for their hard work to date and the community for their patience – the end result will provide benefits for the community and commuters well into the future,” Hennessy said.