More than 300 people have signed a petition to halt the closure of the Holden Road level crossing.
The level crossing on the Sunbury Line is set to close this month as part of the state government’s commitment to the Sunbury Line being level crossing free by the end of 2025.
When the level crossing closes, Holden Road will also close to the public, leaving an unsealed, unlit dirt road being the only access for Metro staff to access the Calder Park depot.
When Calder Park Drive reopens on July 23, Holden Road will only remain open to traffic west of the level crossing, according to the state government.
Glenn Tyquin, a Sunbury train driver who started the petition, said he was concerned about the safety of the road at night and during bad weather. He fears the unsealed dirt road is an accident waiting to happen.
“It doesn’t seem right to me that a government project will create a riskier situation than the one that’s currently in place,” he said.
Metro train drivers, management, cleaning staff, train maintenance technicians and local taxi drivers are fighting the issue, calling on Sunbury MP Josh Bull to help their cause.
Mr Tyquin said Metro had been helpful advocating on the petitioners’ behalf.
“There’s been drivers at Calder Park that have already transferred away from the depot to avoid damaging their personal vehicles,” Mr Tyquin said.
He’s concerned that with the high number of vehicles using the road, as well as emergency service vehicles, the unsealed road will deteriorate faster.
“The level crossing removals are for dangerous and congested roads and this is not a major road,” Mr Tyquin said.
“The alternative they’re putting in place is more dangerous… it just doesn’t sit right with me.”
Mr Bull confirmed his knowledge of the situation.
“I have recently spoken to Mr Tyquin who raised concerns around the sealing of Holden Road,” he said.
“The decision around sealing this road is one for Melton City Council.”
A state government spokesperson confirmed that all roads lead back to council.
“We’re getting rid of the Calder Park Drive and the Holden Road level crossings in Calder Park, boosting safety in the area,” they said.
“Removing the level crossing at Calder Park Drive by building a new road bridge will improve traffic flow in the area, and it means we can close the nearby level crossing at Holden Road, making local roads safer.”
A council spokesperson confirmed that “Council doesn’t have plans to seal this section of Holden Road”.
“This section of Holden Road covers approximately 3.6km and provides access to semi-rural residential properties. Following closure of the Holden Road level crossing, this will become a no-through road and therefore result in limited traffic use,” the spokesperson said.
“As with all unsealed council roads in the City of Melton, we will continue to ensure Holden Road is maintained to a safe standard.”
To sign the petition, go to tinyurl.com/5934c3td
