Works to remove the dangerous and congested level crossing at Aviation Road in Laverton will start later this year, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
The final design and contract has been awarded to remove the Aviation Road level crossing which will deliver a vital road connection to local businesses and the Princes Freeway, and a rail intersection that is used by around 140 metro and freight services each weekday.
The level crossing will be removed by building a road bridge over the Werribee line and will be delivered in stages to ensure overall disruption is minimised for road and rail users.
The first stage of works will include the road bridge, on-road bike lanes and a pedestrian path, a new shared-use path along Maher Road, upgrades to the pedestrian level crossing at Aircraft Station and improvements to the Aircraft Station forecourt area on Triholm Avenue with early works expected to start in October this year and the level crossing removed by early 2020.
The second stage of works, timed with future level crossing removal works at Werribee Street and Cherry Street in Werribee, a pedestrian underpass will be completed to provide an improved connection to Aircraft Station.
By constructing the underpass in a second stage, the project team can ensure access to the station platform using a combination of stairs and ramps, which was the preferred option during community consultation.
By staging works, it allows for trains to continue to run on the Werribee line as the road bridge takes shape, with temporary rail shutdowns limited to weeknight and weekend closures.
Together with the Level Crossing Removal Authority and Metro Trains Melbourne, the Aviation Road level crossing will be removed by the Western Program Alliance comprising of McConnell Dowell, Arup and Mott MacDonald.
The Alliance has already successfully removed level crossings at Kororoit Creek Road in Williamstown North – including a partial duplication of the Altona Loop – and at Abbotts Road in Dandenong South. Planning is also well under way on the level crossings at Werribee Street and Cherry Street, with both to be removed by 2022.
As noted by Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
"By the end of this week, we’ll have already removed 29 level crossings across Melbourne and we’re not slowing down, with Aviation Road level crossing next in our sights."
"The project team has identified an innovative solution with this staged construction approach, which will minimise overall rail and road disruptions to commuters as these important upgrades are completed."
As noted by Member for Altona Jill Hennessy
"Alongside the clear safety benefits, these upgrades will make it easier for people in Laverton to access local shops, Aircraft Station and the Princes Freeway."
"I look forward to construction starting soon at Aviation Road and seeing the new bridge take shape to remove this dangerous and congested level crossing."
