Works to remove the Main Road level crossing at St Albans are due to start mid-year.
Although state government ministers won’t confirm timelines for the level crossing’s removal, information on the VicRoads website states that the construction package is currently out to tender with the successful applicant to be named in April.
The webpage also states that works will begin in mid-2015 and completed by the end of 2016.
The project includes lowering the rail line below Main Road, building a new below- ground premium train station and relocating the station carpark and bus interchanges.
Acting public transport minister Tim Pallas confirmed the Main Road level crossing would be removed as part of the state government’s promise to remove Victoria’s 50 most dangerous level crossings.
But Mr Pallas could not provide timelines, costings or further information.
Similarly, St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman said the state government was committed to removing both the Main Road and Furlong Road level crossings, but she could not say when construction would start on either project. “I’m looking forward to removing both level crossings,” Ms Suleyman said.
“There’s been too much talk about this project; the community wants to see action.
“We made a very clear commitment last year that a Labor government would remove both the level crossings.
“Both have had fatalities and are among the worst [in the state], and clearly that would take precedence.”
The state government has also remained tight-lipped about timelines, costings and further details on other Labor election promises for the Brimbank and Melton area.
A Health Department spokeswoman confirmed the proposed $200 million women’s and children’s hospital to link to the existing Sunshine Hospital would go ahead, but she did not confirm funding and construction timelines.
An Education Department spokeswoman said minister James Merlino was working closely with the department on a site for the proposed new Taylors Hill senior school.
