By Holly McGuinness
Nuisance level crossing on Fitzgerald Road in Ardeer has officially been removed on Tuesday, July, 19 ahead of schedule and residents can now expect to travel across the brand new 70-metre road bridge.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Jacinta Allan spoke on the project and is pleased to see it completed ahead of schedule, the Fitzgerald Road crossing is one of three to be removed in the Brimbank area.
“These three level crossings have historically caused significant congestion in the local road network.
“With boom gates being down for something like 60 per cent of every mornings peak period, there’s 53,000 vehicles a day travelling through these level crossings and with the growth that we’re experiencing in the West, that traffic congestion would only have gotten worse if we hadn’t got in and removed these dangerous and congested level crossings.” Said Ms Allan.
The crossings have relentlessly caused delays to drivers with the Mt Derrimut Road boom gates down for up to 60 per cent of the morning traffic peak and Fitzgerald and Robinsons Road boom gates are known to be down for 45 per cent.
As the Star Weekly previously reported, the project was completed six months ahead of schedule and The Robinsons Road, Deer Park level crossing will be removed as of Monday, September 12, 2022.
Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman also oversaw the official closing of the level crossing and is keen to see the improved safety across the region’s roads.
“We’re delighted to see the new road bridge at Fitzgerald Road open ahead of schedule – a real win for the community that will improve local connections and make the area safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists” Said Ms Suleyman.
