By Tate Papworth
More than 3000 Brimbank residents have signed a petition calling for the urgent removal of three level crossings on the Ballarat rail line.
The petition calls on the state government to fast track grade separations at Station and Robinsons roads, Deer Park, and Fitzgerald Road in Sunshine West.
Mayor Margaret Giudice said removal of the “dangerous and congested” level crossings were long overdue.
“We’ve already seen how the state government’s rail crossing removal program can benefit the community and we’d now like this program extended to see the removal of these three level crossings,” she said.
“Boom gates are down for 30-40 minutes per hour during morning peak times, creating a traffic choke point.
This includes periods of up to nine minutes where multiple trains are going through.
“The roads are so heavily congested in peak periods, that drivers are becoming frustrated and can display erratic driving behaviour. This increases the risks for all road users.”
The petition was delivered to St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman by Brimbank councillors last week.
Ms Suleyman said she would raise the issue in Parliament.
“The Andrews Labor government has a proven track record of removing level crossings in my electorate,” she said.
“I have been working with locals, advocating strongly, and support the removal of the Fitzgerald Road level crossing.”
Ms Suleyman previously raised the issue of the Sunshine West crossing in Parliament in March last year.
