Work to remove two notorious level crossings in Brimbank is under way, despite contracts being delayed.
Shadow Treasurer Michael O’Brien hit out on social media last week, claiming the west was missing out after the state government awarded contracts to remove the first four of the state’s 50 most dangerous and congested level crossings – all of them in the south-eastern suburbs.
Mr O’Brien claimed the contract for the Main Road crossing should have been awarded in April, as per the VicRoads’ website.
But local Labor MP Natalie Suleyman hit back, pointing out that funding was already secure for the Main Road and Furlong Road crossings.
Mr O’Brien said: “People of the west have been waiting long enough for Main Road, St Albans, to be fixed”.
“Why has the Labor government decided to neglect the west by delaying projects that were already under way by the coalition?”
Ms Suleyman said preliminary works at the Main Road crossing started in January, even though the contract had not been awarded.
“The major works will be done over the Christmas break; that’s when the removal of the tracks will occur because, clearly, we want less disruption over the rail network.”
She said contracts for both Main Road and Furlong Road crossings would be combined to lessen disruption and keep costs down.
She said works would start at Furlong Road, sooner rather than later.
Funding for the Furlong Road crossing work was part of this year’s state budget. The Main Road works are being funded by state and federal governments.
“As a St Albans local … we can’t wait,” Ms Suleyman said “After 40 years, we will see the day that these level crossings – that are dangerous, that have taken lives from our community – will be removed.”
“Let’s not muddy the waters, it’s a very good project and we’re getting it done. The contracts for the project will be awarded shortly.”
She said VicRoads began consultations with the community about Furlong Road last week.
