The former state government did not do enough to address the “terrible, killer crossings at St Albans”, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten conceded yesterday.
Premier Dennis Napthine announced earlier this week the “undoubtedly the most dangerous level crossing in Melbourne” would be removed by 2017.
There are no immediate plans for the Furlong Road level crossing, however, which has experienced similar problems.
In an exclusive interview with the Weekly reflecting on his past six months as leader of the opposition, Mr Shorten welcomed news that preliminary works would begin this year.
“That is a good development, I have no reservations about that,” he said.
“I’m glad the Liberal party has come on board. I think people are legitimately angry, I think the previous state Labor government should have done more. I think they got very keen on building a bypass around St Albans, and they spent a few years scoping that. In my opinion, that was the wrong way to go.
“Now at last, common sense and fairness has prevailed.”
Major works for the removal of the St Albans level crossing won’t start until next year.
A state government spokesperson told the Weekly detailed design and preliminary works, including the removal of the old train stabling facilities, on the Main Road crossing would start “this year”.
“Major works will commence in 2015 and be completed by 2017,” she said.
Shadow spokesperson for Public Transport Jill Hennessy said Main Road is a high priority level crossing.
““Denis Napthine has had three-and-a-half years to get on with this, it’s disappointing that only on the eve of an election he has decided to act,” she said.
