It will be full steam ahead in the new year for Brimbank commuters with the Caroline Springs train station set to open and works starting in Sydenham to remove one of the state’s worst level crossings.
Works to remove the Melton Highway level crossing will begin in February. Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan announced on Sunday that BMD Constructions will build the road bridge over the Sunbury line.
Star Weekly revealed in September that road-over-rail was the only option being considered for the $46 million project. Works will also widen Melton Highway to three lanes, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion for the 38,000 vehicles that use it every day.
The crossing was originally scheduled to be removed by early 2019 but will now be completed by late 2018.
The level crossing is one the state’s worst, with boom gates down for nearly a quarter of the morning peak. It is one of three – along with Main and Furlong road crossings in St Albans – which Brimbank council had lobbied the state government to remove simultaneously. Work on the St Albans crossings has already started.
Ms Allan said the Sydenham crossing removal would “pave the way for a massive job-creating expansion of Watergardens Town Centre”.
The design includes a new two-way slip lane on the northern side of the highway, with a signalised intersection at Overton Lea Boulevard. Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins said the project included cycling and walking paths and new community open space.
Meanwhile, it’s been revealed that the new Caroline Springs station will open in January.
The V/Line timetable has also been expanded with 10 new services each week on the Bendigo and Ballarat lines. The new timetable will be available to download from November 28. Timetable updates will be added to PTV’s Journey Planner and PTV app on January 5.
Details: www.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or www.ptv.vic.gov.au
