Level Crossing Removal, melbourne, Rail Projects Victoria,
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About Gap Road Level Crossing, Melbourne
Construction for the removal of Gap Road level crossing in Melbourne is about to start. The removal of this level crossing will be the fourth to be removed along the Sunbury line, which will leave another four level crossings between the station and city.
The boom gates at the Gap Road level crossing can be down for up to 26 per cent of the morning peak traffic times creating Sunbury’s worst bottleneck area.
The Gap Road level crossing removal will be delivered in conjunction with the Sunbury’s Line Upgrade, this coordination of works has brought the removal of the level crossing forward by two years than first planned.
In early July, digging will begin alongside Gap Road and Station Street as underground services are relocated and the removal of a small number of trees before major construction on the new road underpass starts later this year.
From 5 July, one westbound traffic lane will be closed on Gap Road/Station Street between Horne and Evans streets, with the other lane remaining open. The westbound bike lane and pedestrian path will also be closed, with detours in place.
In the coming months, one lane will also be closed eastbound on Gap Road/Station Street, with one traffic lane remaining open and detours for cyclists and pedestrians.
The Gap Road level crossing will be replaced two years early, with a new rail bridge and a road underpass on Gap Road/Station Street between Horne Street and Evans Street, including a shared path on both sides to provide a safe connection for pedestrians and cyclists.
The road under rail design will ensure the heritage-listed Sunbury Station is preserved and have the least impact on rail services during construction, although there will still be some disruption at times.
The Gap Road level crossing is Sunbury’s worst traffic bottleneck, with the boom gates down for up to 26 per cent of the morning peak. About 19,000 vehicles pass through the crossing each day, expected to rise to 27,000 by 2026.
The project is part of the Sunbury Line Upgrade, which will prepare the line for bigger, more modern trains that will run when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025 – giving passengers access to five new stations in Melbourne’s CBD, Arden, Parkville and St Kilda Road.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“These works will clear the road of underground services to prepare for major the construction ahead, and minimise the time it takes to build the rail overpass and remove this dangerous level crossing.
“We’re working to reduce the overall disruption and keep traffic moving through Sunbury as much as possible. Please allow extra time when travelling through the area while work is underway.”
Quote attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull
“We’ve been waiting for the day this dangerous level crossing is gone for good – once completed, we will enjoy the benefits of a free-flowing intersection with safer connections for pedestrians and cyclists.”
ENDS
Monday 14 June 2021 – Media Release
Read the Media Release here.
© Copyright State Government of Victoria
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