Tara Murray
Major works are under way as part of a construction blitz for the Fitzgerald and Robinsons roads level crossing removals.
The works, which started on Thursday and will run until July 25, will result in two giant cross beams being lifted into place at Robinson Road in Deer Park.
The beams, when installed, will support the Robinsons Road bridge in being lifted into place.
Buses have replaced trains on sections of the Geelong, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough lines during the works.
As part of the changes during the works, replacement coaches aren’t stopping at Footscray or Sunshine stations.
Sunshine passengers are able to catch replacement buses from Melton or Wyndham Vale to Deer Park, connecting with the 420, 422 or 427 bus routes between Deer Park and Sunshine.
Commuters are being urged to allow extra time and download a temporary timetable to plan their travel.
Road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, will also be affected.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said it was great to see work starting on another level crossing removal in the west.
“We’re just starting to see the real time benefits of our most recent pipeline of works.”
The removal of the two level crossings will reduce travel times in Brimbank, with boom gates currently down for up to 45 per cent of the morning peak in Ardeer, according to the state government.
The removal of the two crossings are expected to be completed by 2023. The nearby Mt Derrimut Road level crossing in Deer Park has also been fast-tracked and will be removed by 2024.
For more on the works, visit: bigbuild.vic.gov.au.
