The Allan Labor Government is one step closer to making the Cranbourne Line level crossing free and Metro Tunnel ready by 2025 - more than a year ahead of schedule, with final works kicking off to remove three level crossings.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson today visited the Camms Road level crossing, where the boom gates were dismantled last week, making way for a new road bridge which will permanently separate vehicles and trains.
Crews will be working 24/7 until late November to complete the project - so Camms Road is now closed at the level crossing between Bourke Road and Highview Avenue until Thursday, 30 November.
When the road reopens, landscaping works will continue into next year, including finishing the missing link on more than four kilometres of new shared paths, creating a direct connection between Lynbrook, Merinda Park and Cranbourne stations for pedestrians and cyclists, and providing 400 new and upgraded car parks.
The Camms Road level crossing removal follows the completion of the Cranbourne Line Upgrade, which allows 50 extra services to run on the line each week, a new Merinda Park Station and the removal of the level crossing at Greens Road, Dandenong South.
The level crossing at Webb Street, Narre Warren will also be removed by the end of the year, with the elevated rail bridge rapidly taking shape almost two years ahead of schedule, while Brunt Road, Beaconsfield will be removed ahead of schedule in 2024.
Buses will also replace trains on sections of the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines from Friday 24 November to Thursday 7 December while crews work to remove the Webb Street level crossing.
This work, together with the Metro Tunnel, will create room for 121,000 more passengers every week on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines and save passengers travelling from Cranbourne or Pakenham up to 30 minutes off a return journey to Parkville, or up to 50 minutes off a return journey to St Kilda Road.
The Labor Government has removed 72 level crossings, with 110 going for good by 2030, boosting safety and easing congestion.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
"We're getting on with making the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines level crossing free to prepare for the Metro Tunnel opening a year ahead of schedule in 2025, allowing more trains to run more often."
"We're removing three more level crossings ahead of schedule taking us one step closer to making the Cranbourne Line boom gate-free, changing the way people live, work and travel."
As stated by Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards
"Removing the dangerous and congested Camms Road level crossing will make roads safer for drivers, ease congestion and connect more than four kilometres of cycling paths between Cranbourne and Lynbrook."
