The Allan Labor Government has released the concept designs for two more level crossings in Melbourne's booming west - making Melton boom gate free by 2026.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson today announced new road bridges will be built over the rail line at Ferris Road in Melton and Hopkins Road in Truganina, creating a safer and smoother journey for drivers.
In response to community feedback, new walking and cycling paths will feature on the road bridges thanks to an investment through the Labor Government's Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) fund.
The early concept designs detail the new rail bridges that will take trains over Coburns and Exford Roads in Melton and to the new Melton Station - which will help cater for one of the fastest growing communities in Australia.
Removing the four dangerous and congested level crossings will ease congestion for more than 73,000 vehicles each day - with drivers currently facing up to 28 minutes of boom gate down time in the morning peak, when 16 trains go through.
Major construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with the new station open and all four sets of boom gates gone for good in 2026 - two years ahead of schedule.
The Melton level crossing removals will also pave the way for the introduction of larger 9-car VLocity trains as part of the $650 million Melton Line Upgrade, increasing capacity for passengers by 50 per cent.
Locals are being asked to share their ideas to help refine designs for the level crossing removals at Ferris Road and Hopkins Road. The early designs, online surveys and more information about community information sessions is available at engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-melton.
The Labor Government is removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings from around Melbourne by 2030, with 77 gone for good already.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
"The release of the latest designs is an exciting step towards getting rid of these Melton level crossings once and for all."
"We're building a new Melton Station, getting rid of four dangerous and congested level crossings and making Melton boom gate free by 2026, improving safety and busting congestion for locals in the west."
As stated by Member for Melton Steve McGhie
"The release of these designs takes us closer to getting rid of all the level crossings in Melton and we encourage everyone in the community to provide feedback on this suburb-shaping project."
As stated by Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch
"Removing the level crossing at Hopkins Road, Truganina will improve safety, ease congestion and ensure locals never have to get stuck at these frustrating boom gates again."
