The Allan Labor Government has released designs for the removal of yet another dangerous and congested level crossing in Melbourne's west.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson today announced a new road bridge will be built over the Werribee Line at Maidstone Street, Altona - creating safer journeys, with more reliable travel times for the busy industrial area.
Freight and passenger train services on the Werribee Line are expected to increase in the future meaning the boom gates will be down for longer - making this level crossing removal critical to keep the west moving.
The new road bridge will feature one lane in each direction with a pedestrian footpath and new lighting, with construction to start in 2025 and the level crossing to be gone for good by 2027.
Building a road bridge will avoid important underground utilities and the nearby protected Maidstone Street Grassland - which will help get rid of the crossing sooner.
More than 14,400 vehicles and 48 trains travel through the level crossing each day where the boom gates are down for more than 20 per cent of the morning peak. Removing this level crossing will boost safety, create more reliable travel times and contribute to a level crossing free Werribee Line by 2030.
Locals can now share their feedback, which will help to refine designs for the Maidstone Street level crossing removal. Early designs, online surveys and more information about community information sessions is available at engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-maidstone-street.
The Labor Government is removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings from around Melbourne by 2030, with 80 already gone for good.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
"The release of this design takes us one step closer to making the Werribee Line level crossing free by 2030 - changing the way people live, work and travel."
"We're thrilled to see another level crossing going in the west and invite the community to provide feedback to help shape the designs of this important project."
As stated by Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
"Community feedback is an important part of all level crossing removal projects and Altona locals can have their say on the look and feel of the designs which will see the boom gates at Maidstone Road gone for good."
