- Published:
- Wednesday 24 January 2018
Work has begun to remove the dangerous and congested level crossing on Buckley Street in Essendon.
In the coming weeks, construction crews will begin to relocate underground utilities, remove vegetation and establish work sites as part of the $114 million project.
The Buckley Street level crossing is one of Melbourne’s worst. The boom gates are down for about 78 minutes during the two-hour morning peak – causing congestion, frustration and delays for the 11,000 drivers that use it each day.
Removing the crossing will improve journey times and traffic flow, make the area safer for drivers, local pedestrians and hundreds of students who travel to the nearby schools each day.
The Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) has worked closely with the community, traders, transport providers and technical experts over the past 18 months to refine the design so it meets the needs of Essendon residents and visitors. The project team will continue to work closely with stakeholders as work progresses this year.
The design for the project includes new accessible ramps under the station entrance canopies, pedestrian signals to boost safety and streetscaping work on Rose and Russell streets, as well as new cycling facilities.
The Andrews Labor Government is not wasting a moment getting rid of dangerous and congested level crossings across Melbourne – 11 crossings are already gone and work is underway on 17 more, including Buckley Street.
The final designs for the Buckley Street level crossing removal can be viewed at levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or by visiting the Essendon Info Hub at 20 Russell Street.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Public Transport Luke Donnellan
“Removing the level crossing at Buckley Street and 49 others around Melbourne will make our city safer, reduce road congestion and allow more trains, more often.”
“After years of inaction under the former, do-nothing Liberal government – we’re getting rid of these congested death traps to get people home safer and sooner.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
“This is exciting for Essendon, as work gets underway to provide a safer and smoother journey for road and rail users, while preserving the iconic Essendon station.”
“I want to thank my local community for their work on this project – these conversations will continue as the work progresses.”