Melton crossing works begin

One of Melbourne’s most grid-locked level crossings is on track for a flyover solution.

Melton Highway’s level crossing at Sydenham is one of the worst in the metropolis, with boom gates down up to 24 minutes during the morning peak hour.

While traffic will be squeezed into just two lanes in each direction during the works, a new six-lane bridge will separate cars from the Sunbury-Bendigo line train tracks when complete in late 2018.

Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins said the new bridge will ease congestion and help save lives along the busy highway. …

“My community has been fighting to see this dangerous and congested level crossing removed,” Ms Hutchins said.

“The Melton Highway level crossing clogs traffic, holds back our train system and puts lives at risk.

“This project will make Sydenham safer and less congested, while also creating hundreds of jobs.”

Works start with the relocation of gas, water and other utilities in preparation for major construction in coming weeks.

Speed limits will be cut to 40km/h near construction areas and, from mid-year, all traffic will be moved to the northern side of the road to allow works to continue on the south side of the new road bridge without closing Melton Highway.

Sydenham Road will be closed at its intersection with Melton Highway throughout the works.

It will reopen and connect with Victoria Road underneath the new road bridge once it is complete.

Detours are now in place.