Construction ramps up this month to remove two dangerous level crossings on Mountain Highway and Scoresby Road in Bayswater.
These level crossings are among Melbourne’s busiest with the boom gates down for up to 29 minutes during the weekday peak causing delays and congestion for thousands of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
The $177 million project includes:
- Lowering the rail line under the road at both locations.
- Raising Mountain Highway slightly to ensure trains can move safely underneath.
- Rebuilding Bayswater Station.
Some of the first works to get underway will include road works, piling and the construction of road bridges at the level crossings, in preparation for a major construction blitz over summer.
As works get underway, there will be some road, traffic and parking changes, as well as buses replacing trains for nine days from 2-10 July.
Construction works will commence in mid-May on Mountain Highway when one lane heading east will be closed between Valentine and King Streets. The speed limit along this part of the highway will be reduced to 40km/hour during the works to ensure the safety of pedestrians and construction workers.
The station car park will be completely closed on 21 May 2016 for the duration of the project. Alternative car parking will be available on weekdays at Bayswater Oval with a shuttle service currently being trialled to transport people to and from the station. Full details are available at www.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au
This project is being delivered by an alliance consisting of Laing O’Rourke, Fulton Hogan and AECOM, together with the Level Crossing Removal Authority, Public Transport Victoria, VicRoads and Metro Trains. The project is expected to be completed in mid-2017.
Quotes attributable to local MP Shaun Leane
“Level crossings take lives, cause accidents and slow us down. Work is now ramping up to remove these two dangerous death traps.”
“The new Bayswater station and wider pedestrian footpath along Mountain Highway will help improve the way people move in and around these two busy roads and shopping strip. It will be safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike.
“The removal of the two level crossings and building the new station is a great opportunity to develop Bayswater, and I’d encourage the community to support local businesses during construction.”
“In a first for the Level Crossing Removal Project, we’ve set up a dedicated information office at the Bayswater Station site to give people an opportunity to ask questions and receive progress updates.”