Ringwood is on track to become level crossing free following the Andrews Labor Government releasing designs to remove two dangerous and congested level crossings and build a brand-new Ringwood East Station.
Both level crossings will be removed by building rail trenches, to run trains under Bedford Road and Dublin Road – paving the way for more services, and slashing travel times as people move around Ringwood.
About 23,000 vehicles use the Dublin Road and Bedford Road level crossings each day, with the boom gates down for up to 23 minutes of the morning peak at each location.
Following community feedback, the updated designs include an additional entrance to the new Ringwood East Station as well as car parking closer to the station precinct to make catching the train easier for passengers.
The station architecture has been designed to complement the local village feel of Ringwood East, including landscaping works that will prioritise native plants, shrubs and trees. The station will include new lifts, stairs, lighting, upgraded pedestrian and cycling paths in the area, as well as 460 upgraded commuter car parks.
At Bedford Road, a new walking and cycling path has been added to the design, connecting the 19.2km Heathmont Rail Trail to Bedford Park alongside the Belgrave rail line.
Major construction at each location will begin next year, with both sets of boom gates gone for good in 2025.
Twelve level crossings are being removed on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines, making the Belgrave line level crossing free from the city to Ferntree Gully and the Lilydale line completely free of boom gates by 2025 – changing the way people live, work and travel.
Further up the Lilydale line, construction is well underway on the removal of level crossings in Mont Albert and Surrey Hills, and planning is advanced for the removal of the level crossing at Coolstore Road, Croydon and the closure of Cave Hill Road, Lilydale.
The Labor Government is removing 85 level crossings by 2025, with 65 already gone for good – easing congestion and making Melbourne’s roads safer.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“We’re removing every level crossing in Ringwood to ease congestion and make travelling on road and rail safer for drivers in Melbourne’s east.”
“Removing the level crossings will pave the way for more trains by making the lines level crossing free from the city to Ferntree Gully and Lilydale – delivering significant benefits to locals.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ringwood Dustin Halse
“The upgrades at the new station will include two entrances, as well as better car parking and cycling connections – making it easier for locals to catch the train.”
Quote attributable to Member for Burwood Will Fowles
“This vital project will reduce congestion in Ringwood and Ringwood East, making our community safer for locals whether traveling by car, bike, bus, train or on foot.”
Reviewed 25 August 2022