Victorian state budget amendments have deferred key level crossing removals by several years, sparking local discontent and calls for comprehensive rail solutions. Projects in areas like Highett and Brunswick face significant delays, with authorities citing opportunities for concurrent infrastructure improvements in the interim.
The deferral, reportedly stemming from a single budget line item, has pushed back the removal of dangerous level crossings, extending the timeline for these critical safety and congestion mitigation works.
Locals in affected areas expressed surprise and disappointment. Doug Klein, president of the Highett Progress Association, found the decision perplexing, questioning the reasoning for the delay, particularly when related projects might proceed independently. He urged the government to leverage this extended period to develop a more integrated rail strategy, addressing issues such as congestion, safety, noise pollution, and the creation of public open spaces.
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Meanwhile, Bayside City Council mayor Debbie Taylor-Haynes echoed the sentiment, labelling the postponement of essential works as disheartening. Some residents, however, have welcomed the delay. Jenny, a Cheltenham resident, believes a three-year pause, including the potential closure of Latrobe Street, might alleviate current traffic burdens.
Businesses near affected stations also voiced concerns and hopes. Steve Kingi, proprietor of Hawker Bar and Typhoon Vietnamese, suggested that delaying road closures and construction could provide a much-needed reprieve for establishments still recovering from the economic impact of COVID-19 lockdowns.
In Brunswick, a similar deferral for the 'sky rail' project on the Upfield line has been framed by officials as an opportunity. The government proposes using this time to implement accessible stops for the Route 19 tram and establish protected bike lanes along Sydney Road before rail construction commences.
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This approach has drawn mixed reactions. Troy Stuchbree, manager of the Sydney Road Brunswick Association, noted traders' worries about how street-level changes might impact businesses, especially given prior plans that indicated a reduction in on-street parking.
Accessibility advocates have also highlighted the ongoing issues. Martin Leckey, a disability advocate and wheelchair user, pointed out that the current lack of level tram stops on Sydney Road creates significant barriers for individuals with limited mobility, including parents with prams. The Level Crossing Removal Project has already established an elevated rail line in neighbouring Coburg, extending from Bell Street to Moreland Road.
Background on Level Crossing Removals
The Victorian government's Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), part of Victoria's Big Build initiative under the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (VIDA), has been actively engaged in removing dangerous level crossings across Melbourne. Historically, the project has completed numerous removals, often involving the construction of rail-over-road bridges or, in some instances, lowering rail lines.
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Examples of completed projects include:
Greens Road, Dandenong South: New rail-over-road bridge.
Mt Derrimut Road, Deer Park: New rail-over-road bridge and station.
Webb Street, Narre Warren: New rail-over-road bridge and station.
Kororoit Creek Road, Williamstown North: Rail-over-road bridge and track duplication.
Abbotts Road, Dandenong South: Rail-over-road bridge in an industrial zone.
Aviation Road, Laverton: Road-over-rail bridge near a shopping precinct.
Werribee Street, Werribee: Rail-over-road bridge over a freight line.
Cherry Street, Werribee: Road-over-rail bridge near a shopping centre.
Ferguson Street, Williamstown: Rail line lowered under an arterial road, new station constructed.
Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing: New road-over-rail bridge and station facilities.
Diggers Rest: Two road-over-rail crossings.
Current undertakings include upgrades to Ballarat Station, the construction of a new station at Tarneit West, and early works for the Sunshine Superhub, which is a precursor to the Airport Rail Link.
The LXRP highlights benefits such as increased train capacity, reduced traffic delays, and improvements to local amenity and functionality. Projects have also received accolades, including landscape architecture and sustainability awards for works at Deer Park Station and North Williamstown Station. These designs often focus on integrating urban design, station architecture, and landscape solutions tailored to local contexts, sometimes resulting in significant increases in native planting and habitat creation.
