Three level crossing removals have been announced in Melbourne’s west and will include a skyrail to improve road safety and reduce congestion.
Boom gates at Werribee Street, Cherry Street and Old Geelong Road will be removed by 2022, meaning there will be no level crossings on Metro lines in Wyndham.
Treasurer and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas said the plan was a real win for the local community.
“We’re fast-tracking the Hoppers Crossing project so all three level crossing removals on the Werribee line will be completed at the same time,” he said.
“Just like the 29 level crossings we’ve already removed across Melbourne, these three sites at Werribee and Hoppers Crossing cause nothing but frustration and anxiety – they have to go.”
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Construction is expected to begin next year after geotechnical and engineering investigations found there were two feasible designs to remove the crossing at each of the three locations.
Old Geelong Road will see a new road bridge installed over the rail line east of the existing crossing. In addition, new road bridge built east of the existing crossing at Cherry Road, linking Tarneit Road to the Princes Highway.
The preferred design for Werribee Street will be to elevate the Werribee line over the road. This design aims to complement Wyndham City Council’s multi-million dollar improvements at Wyndham Park.
The Victorian Government estimates close to 60,000 vehicles and several bus routes use the three level crossings each day. There are also about 140 Metro services daily on the Werribee Line not including lengthy freight services.
The project will hold two community drop-in sessions around Werribee and Hoppers Crossing with information about the project on display. People can also view designs online.
“Anyone who has been stuck behind the boom gates at these level crossings knows what a difference removing them will make,” Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly said.