- Published:
- Monday 18 December 2023
The Allan Labor Government has released the designs for the Progress Street level crossing removal project in Dandenong South – which will widen Fowler Road and improve local road connections.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson today announced the new designs, which will close the dangerous level crossing to keep the local community safe and improve traffic flow.
As part of the project, Fowler Road will be extended over Eumemmerring Creek to connect to Progress Street, which will be closed at the level crossing – providing safer access to the South Gippsland Highway.
Informed by consultation by businesses and the community, the designs will widen Fowler Road and create safer on-street parking, while reduce impacts on the transport freight industry in the area.
The project also includes a new signalised intersection for road users turning onto the South Gippsland Highway from Fowler Road, including trucks, to ensure traffic flows smoothly onto the main road.
Traffic assessments show the new bridge and Fowler Road upgrades will safely accommodate all vehicles, including oversized trucks.
Closing the Progress Street level crossing is part of a plan to improve connections in the busy industrial area of Greater Dandenong by removing eight level crossings and building a new bridge over the rail line to remove the dead ends at Remington Drive and Pound Road West.
With more trains set to run more often, an increase in boom-gate down time will cause even more congestion at this dangerous level crossing.
Major works will start in early 2024, with the level crossing gone for good in 2025, bringing the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines one step closer to becoming level crossing free.
The Labor Government has removed 74 level crossings, with 110 going for good by 2030, boosting safety and easing congestion.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson
“The level crossing at Progress Street, Dandenong South will soon be gone for good, bringing Greater Dandenong and the Pakenham Line one step closer to being level crossing free.”
“We will continue to engage with local businesses and the community as the project progresses and we thank people for their patience as we get on with the work.”
Quote attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams
“We are getting on with removing dangerous level crossings, which will ease congestion and make Dandenong South’s roads safer.”
“Widening Fowler Road is an important upgrade for the precinct, and will improve safety and efficiency for road users.”