The first rail closure as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s multi-billion dollar Level Crossing Removal Project is underway.
Acting Minister for Public Transport Luke Donnellan visited Gardiner Station, the first of 50 that will be removed over eight years.
The Glen Waverly line was closed yesterday between Burnley and Darling stations to demolish parts of Gardiner Station platforms and buildings, and will reopen for the morning peak tomorrow.
Bus replacement services are operating to ensure passengers can still get where they need to go.
Mr Donnellan said the closure was a taste of what’s to come, with a number of road and rail closures planned over the coming months so works to remove the first eight deadly and congested level crossings can occur safely and efficiently.
The Glen Waverly line will be closed between Burnley and Darling stations again on 29 and 30 August for further works at Gardiner Station. Burke Road will also be closed during this time.
The Bayside Rail Improvement Project will cause the closure of the Frankston line on the weekend of 5-6 September. The Level Crossing Removal Authority will take advantage of this closure to do works at Centre, McKinnon and North Road level crossing removals.
Burke Road will be closed again between 19-28 September, and the Glen Waverly line will be closed from 21-25 September 2015.
Further closures to roads and train lines will be required to remove these congested deathtraps.
The Level Crossing Removal Authority, PTV, VicRoads and Metro will provide extensive information to residents and passengers about any disruption as a result of these critical works.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Acting Minister for Public Transport, Luke Donnellan
"The first closure as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project is underway and there are more rail and road closures to come as we get on with removing these dangerous and congested level crossings."
"Closures like this are the only way to remove these level crossings and rebuild these stations safely and efficiently."
"I thank residents and passengers for their patience and understanding. The temporary inconvenience these closures cause is nothing compared to the chronic disruption these congested deathtraps cause every day, which is why we need to get rid of them as soon as possible."
"The Andrews Labor Government is getting rid of Victoria’s 50 worst level crossings to unclog roads, run more trains and get Victorians home safer and sooner – we’re getting on with it."
Reviewed 19 August 2020