Premier

Preston And Reservoir Crossings To Go In Labor Government Blitz

04 January 2016

Work to remove the level crossings at High Street in Reservoir and at Bell Street in Preston will commence in 2018 as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s removal of 50 of the most dangerous and congested crossings across Melbourne.

Inspecting the notoriously congested High Street level crossing with local Member Robin Scott today, Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said the removal of these crossings would make moving around Melbourne’s north quicker and safer for local residents, businesses and visitors.

Planning and technical investigations for both removals will start in the coming months, with both the Reservoir and Bell train stations to be rebuilt as part of the project.

These are two of the most dangerous and congested level crossings in Melbourne’s north with both experiencing collisions, near misses and tragically, a fatality at High St.

The Labor Government is getting rid of these congested death-traps, making it safer for local residents, businesses and visitors.

Further up the South Morang line, planning for a rail extension from South Morang to Mernda is currently underway. This means it is even more important to remove these level crossings so we can create capacity to run more trains along the South Morang line.

A key part of the level crossing removals will be ensuring that communities, including businesses and residents, have input into design development. The Level Crossing Removal Authority will engage with communities throughout the project.

A contract for the removal of the High Street, Reservoir and Bell Street, Preston level crossings will be awarded with works underway in 2018.

For more detail about the Andrews Labor Government’s plan to reduce congestion, improve safety, run more trains and create local jobs, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

“We promised we would remove these dangerous and congested death-traps and we’re keeping our word, with works underway in 2018.”

“They put pressure on local roads, put people’s lives at risk and cause daily frustration and delays for our commuters. Removing these two crossings will make travelling around Melbourne’s north easier and safer for everyone.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Preston Robin Scott

“Getting rid of these congested and unsafe level crossings is what our local community needs. The notorious Reservoir level crossing is rated by the RACV as the worst in Melbourne and its removal will be a lasting legacy of the Andrews Labor Government for the people of Reservoir and Preston.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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