The Andrews Labor Government will remove the next dangerous and congested level crossing on the Craigieburn line by building a rail trench under Glenroy Road in Glenroy.
Acting Premier Lisa Neville joined Acting Minister for Transport Infrastructure Melissa Horne and Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn at Glenroy Station today to announce the project design as planning continues.
Glenroy Road is one of the most congested roads in Melbourne’s north, with about 19,000 vehicles using the level crossing each day.
The project will also deliver a new Glenroy Station and be the second level crossing to go on the Craigieburn Line, which is used by 36,500 travellers each week day.
Extensive technical investigations since 2016 have found that lowering the rail line below Glenroy Road is the best way to remove the dangerous crossing. It avoids significant compulsory property acquisition and best suits the complex topography of the area.
The boom gates at this level crossing can be down for up to 43 per cent of the morning peak, regularly causing traffic to bank up for up to a kilometre along Glenroy Road. This congestion will only get even worse when more trains and cars travel through Glenroy in the future.
As well as delaying locals, the level crossing poses a major safety risk for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers with 18 recorded near misses since 2005 – three involving pedestrians.
Eliminating this level crossing will improve safety and travel times for the 3,500 commuters that use Glenroy Station each day and those visiting the vibrant shops, cafes and community groups in Glenroy.
The Level Crossing Removal Project team is now undertaking further technical investigations, and community consultation will continue this year, giving locals opportunities to provide feedback on the project.
The level crossing at Glenroy Road will be gone in 2022 and is one of 75 that will be removed by 2025 thanks to the Andrews Labor Government – with 29 already gone. For more information, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Acting Premier Lisa Neville
“This dangerous and congested level crossing holds up thousands at Glenroy Road each day – it’s got to go.”
“This will make a real difference for people in Glenroy, making it quicker, easier and safer to get around.”
Quote attributable to Acting Minister for Transport Infrastructure Melissa Horne
“We’re getting on with removing the second level crossing on the Craigieburn Line, making it safer and faster for people to get where they need to be.”
Quote attributable to Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn
“Since we announced that this crossing would be removed we have worked closely with the Minister on the design options. I am delighted with this outcome and excited that we have reached this next stage in the project.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020