Tate Papworth
Two notorious level crossings are set to be removed ahead of schedule.
The much-maligned crossings at Fitzgerald Road in Ardeer and Deer Park’s Robinsons Road are now due for removal by 2023, with construction to start early next year.
The level crossings have been the subject of community concern and have a questionable safety record with 18 near misses since 2012, according to figures provided by the state government.
The sites have also been the subject of huge delays and frustration for the 53,000 commuters and freight vehicles that travel through them each day – with boom gates down for up to 45 per cent of the morning peak when up to 37 trains run through the crossings.
Removal was granted after a public campaign, which resulted in two Brimbank councillors delivering a community petition signed by 3000 locals to the office of the Member for St Albans, Natalie Suleyman, calling for their removal.
Days before the 2018 election Ms Suleyman and Premier Daniel Andrews stood outside the Deer Park Station and promised to remove the crossings if re-elected.
The government also pledged to upgrade the Deer Park train station.
Ms Suleyman said the community has spoken.
“The community will be thrilled to see the back of these two level crossings,” she said.
The Robinsons Road level crossing will be removed with a road underpass, and the Fitzgerald Road level crossing with a road overpass.
The removal of these two level crossings also paves the way for the nearby Mount Derrimut Road level crossing to be removed by 2025, removing the last of the level crossings between Deer Park and the city.
Western Metropolitan Region MP Ingrid Stitt said it was vital that local infrastructure kept up with growth.
“As Melbourne continues to grow, it’s vital that we free up bottlenecks, boost safety, and improve critical freight routes for industry,” she said.
Across Melbourne, 75 level crossings are set to be removed by 2025.
