The Andrews Labor Government has announced a package of works that will remove two notorious bottlenecks and provide the residents of the inner north with a new community space.
After consultation, the Government has confirmed that drivers will be better off with the upgraded Chandler Highway being built to six lanes with a new bridge to the west of the existing railway bridge.
The Western option was identified after careful consideration of the overall impact to the road network, surrounding land, the environment and properties of heritage significance.
This option will provide safer cycling facilities, have less impact on significant native trees and surrounding land and will not require land acquisition from Guide Dogs Victoria and Willsmere Chandler Park.
It will cater for better and more accessible active transport – whether you are a cycling commuter, a family wanting to walk to school, catching the bus to work or accessing this important connection to get you to where you need to be with a reliable and safe journey.
The Government is also fast tracking work to remove the Grange Road, Alphington level crossing with early works to remove the boom gates to be fast-tracked to commence in 2018.
This is one of 50 level crossings that will be removed over the next seven years, easing congestion, improving safety and creating space to run more trains.
Technical investigations will start this year and the Level Crossing Removal Authority will consult with the local community, including businesses and residents, to ensure everyone has input into the design development.
The Grange Road boom gates are down for around 40 minutes during the two hour morning peak (7-9am), causing congestion and frustration in Melbourne’s inner north.
The historic 124-year-old Chandler Highway Bridge will be converted to a shared user path for cyclists and pedestrians as well as a shared community space.
The community will be invited to provide input into aspects of the design of the cycling and walking paths and the future use of the bridge as well as helping to design other potential uses of the bridge such as a park, a playground, viewing platforms or a community garden.
Community consultation will begin in coming months with the ability for residents to view draft designs, interactive maps and graphics and speak with experts.
The Chandler Highway upgrade – set to start in mid-2017 – will improve safety and accommodate growing traffic at the intersection of Chandler Highway and Heidelberg Road. It will also see new traffic lights installed at the Yarra Boulevard intersection and new cycling and walking paths that link directly to nearby trails.
Quotes Attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“Motorists will be able to spend more time at home with their families with travel time saving of 8 minutes during the AM peak and 13 minutes during the PM peak.”
“We want to work with the local community to transform the existing Chandler Highway railway bridge into a innovative and engaging community space.”
Quotes Attributable to Member for Northcote Fiona Richardson
“Our local community has been waiting a long time for this project and the Andrews Labor Government is getting on with it and delivering on our promises.”
“The Grange Road level crossing is one Melbourne’s most dangerous and congested, it needs to go.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020