Works on the Gap Road Level Crossing Removal Project are set to ramp up following the project powering through the halfway mark with a new rail bridge built and the boom gates already gone for good.
The Andrews Labor Government's investment in upgrades in Sunbury will reduce travel times, improve safety and create better local connections for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
Construction crews have removed almost 25,000 cubic metres of soil from under the new Gap Road rail bridge, creating space to start work on a new road underpass and separate walking and cycling paths.
Gap Road will remain closed until early October, while crews continue to build the new road surface and complete the walking and cycling paths. Landscaping and other minor works will continue into 2023.
The level crossing created some of Sunbury's worst congestion - used by up to 19,000 motorists every day, with the boom gates down for more than a quarter of the morning peak.
Gap Road will be the fourth level crossing on the Sunbury Line to be removed, with another two to go in Calder Park to further ease congestion and slash travel times.
During August work will also continue on the Sunbury Line Upgrade including platform extensions, signalling upgrades and the commissioning of three electrical substations at Sunbury, Delahey and St Albans.
The Sunbury Line Upgrade will enable bigger, more comfortable trains and more frequent services on the line when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025.
To allow for the work, buses will replace Sunbury Line trains between Sunshine and Sunbury from the evening of 13 August to 23 August. Coaches will replace trains on the Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca lines from 14 to 26 August.
In Sunbury's southeast, works will ramp up on Sunbury Road to install barriers to start building the additional lanes and the new Jacksons Creek bridge. Barrier installations will begin between Shepherds Lane and Lancefield Road, with essential works scheduled at night from mid-August to early September to minimise disruption to road users.
To support local communities during the construction of the West Gate Tunnel, the Labor Government has established the $2 million Sunbury & Bulla Neighbourhood Fund. Applications for grants and partnerships are open until 3:00pm Monday 8 August. For more details go to www.westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/sunbury-bulla-fundExternal Link.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
"It's great to see works powering ahead on the removal of Sunbury's worst traffic bottleneck, as we work towards reducing congestion, improving train services and getting Sunbury moving."
"Gap Road is just one of the 85 level crossings we're removing across Melbourne by 2025, with 65 already gone for good."
As stated by Member for Sunbury Josh Bull
"Sunbury will soon be safer and better connected, with the removal of the dangerous Gap Road level crossing powering ahead."
