Tara Murray
Another of Brimbank’s most notorious level crossings is set to go, with work on the removal of the Mt Derrimut Road crossing to start later this year.
On Sunday, the state government announced that it had brought work on the project forward by 12 months.
The government hopes the removal of the level crossing will eliminate accidents, near misses and risky driver behaviour that have long plagued the intersection, which is used by more than 23,000 motorists each day.
As part of the works, a two-kilometres rail bride will be built over Mt Derrimut Road and a new Deer Park train station will be constructed.
The new station will include 150 new and upgraded car parks.
Kororoit MP Marlene Kairouz said it was time for the level crossing to go.
“Right now, the Mt Derrimut Road level crossing dominates the way people commute, shop and even send their kids to school,” she said.
Concept designs of the Mt Derrimut Road project, including options for open space and landscaping around Deer Park station, will be available for public viewing from April 19.
Residents and Brimbank council have long campaigned for the crossing’s removal.
The Mt Derrimut Road crossing was one of three the state government pledged to remove it is was re-elected at the last state election, following a petition signed by 3000 residents.
Work has already started on the removal of the two other level crossings at Robinsons and Fitzgerald roads.
The pledge to upgrade Deer Park station was made at the same time after former council administrator John Watson called the station an ‘embarrassment’ and ‘a country-standard station’.
Transport Infrastructure minister Jacinta Allan said all three level crossing removals would be completed by 2024.
“By 2024, Deer Park and Ardeer will be completely level crossing-free – reducing congestion and delivering better community connections for our growing western suburbs,” she said.
“More trains than ever are now running on this part of the rail network – so it’s essential we get these crossings gone for good as soon as possible.”
