The level crossing on the Melton Highway in Sydenham is expected to be removed by early 2019.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday the crossing was one of four to be “fast-tracked”, although an exact timeline is not yet known.
“These level crossings are dangerous, congested and suffocate our train system,” Mr Andrews said in Sydenham.
“They are relics of the past and need to go. After years of inaction, we’re getting on with it.”
A spokesman for Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said an early 2019 completion of works was an estimate.
“We’re hoping it will be a little earlier,” he said. “We hope for work to begin in 2017 but it depends on the planning process.”
There are four main options for the crossing removal – lowering the road, lowering the rail line, lifting the rail line or building a road bridge.
Star Weekly revealed in August that the Brimbank council was lobbying the government for three level crossings on the Sunbury line to be removed simultaneously: at Melton Highway and at Main Road and Furlong Road in St Albans.
It was a key plank of Unlock the Opportunity, an update of the council’s priorities to create better transport connections across the city.
“Given likely disruption to train services during the level crossing removal program, it would be advantageous to construct all three crossings along the Sunbury line at the same time, to minimise disruptions to the travelling public,” a council report stated.
“This may also generate a significant cost-saving and lessen inconvenience to the community.”
The council said a boost to train services and increasing commuter traffic had resulted in “significant safety and congestion problems” at seven Brimbank rail crossings.
The Sydenham crossing was listed in the government’s top 50 priorities to remove dangerous level crossings thoughout the state. The government had set a timetable for all 50 to be removed within eight years.
The MP for Sydenham, Natalie Hutchins, said the Melton Highway level crossing removal would pave the way for a “massive job-creation expansion at Watergardens Town Centre”.
It is expected to provide more than 1000 construction and retail jobs.
Community engagement sessions on the Melton Highway level crossing removal will begin in coming weeks.
Work has already started on the Main Road and Furlong Road level crossings, which are expected to be completed by 2017.
As part of the project, up to 40 car spaces in the West Esplanade carpark in St Albans were permanently closed last Friday. Alternative commuter parking is available at the St Albans Hotel until a new station carpark is built. Metro Trains say a new station carpark will provide the same number of spaces.
More information at www.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au
