- Published:
- Tuesday 31 January 2017
The first columns of the Andrews Labor Government’s new, elevated train line that will remove nine of Victoria’s worst level crossings are now in place.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan visited Murrumbeena today, where two 6.7 metre columns were lifted into place over night by a 350-tonne mobile crane.
Over the coming months, more than 350 of these support columns – known as piers – will be raised to support the new elevated train line through Melbourne’s south east.
These crossings are among the state’s worst, with boom gates down for more than 80 minutes in the morning peak at a number of sites – clogging traffic and putting lives at risk.
Removing them will reduce road congestion, improve safety and create space to run more trains, more often on Victoria’s busiest rail corridor.
The $1.6 billion project will also build five new stations, upgrade power and signalling, and create 22.5 hectares on new public open space for parks, paths and community facilities under the new line.
The concrete columns of the new line will be built in Melton over the next eight months – supporting local jobs in Melbourne’s outer west. Overall, the project will create 2,000 new jobs.
The Labor Government is getting on with removing 50 of Victoria’s worst level crossings. Eight are already gone, 12 are under construction and seven more will start this year.
For more information, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“The first piece of this huge project is in place – the start of a massive construction blitz that will remove nine of our worst level crossings and create space for more trains on Victoria’s busiest line.”
“Motorists stuck at these crossings want them gone and we’re not wasting a moment – to get people home safer and sooner each day, so they can spend more time doing what they want with the people they love.”
“Removing these dangerous and congested level crossings will also create local jobs – 2000 of them – supporting Victorian families and boosting our economy.”