Removal of the dangerous and congested level crossing on Melton Highway in Sydenham will start this summer.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today joined Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins to announce BMD Constructions will build the road bridge over the Sunbury/Bendigo line, removing the crossing forever.
The $46 million Andrews Labor Government project will also widen Melton Highway to three lanes improving traffic flow and reducing congestion even further.
The level crossing on Melton Highway is one of Victoria’s worst, with boom gates down for nearly a quarter of the morning peak.
Removing it will reduce congestion for the 38,000 vehicles that use it every day and pave the way for a massive job-creating expansion of Watergardens Town Centre.
The project design includes a new two-way slip lane on the northern side of the highway, with a signalised intersection at Overton Lea Boulevard, to provide access to Victoria Road and Sydenham Road.
By raising the road, the project will also create better walking and cycling paths, and new community open space – something that came through strongly in community consultation earlier in the year.
Construction on the project will be underway by February next year, and is expected to be complete by late 2018.
The Labor Government is getting on with removing 50 of Victoria’s worst level crossings – six are already gone, construction is underway at a further 13 and work will start on four more next year, including at Melton Highway.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“The dangerous and congested level crossing on Melton Highway clogs traffic, holds back our train system and puts lives at risk. We’re putting people first and getting rid of it – and work starts this summer.”
“Our unprecedented removal of level crossings is making a real difference to people’s lives – reducing congestion, improving safety and creating thousands of jobs for people all over Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins
“The project will remove the level crossings, expand Melton Highway and build new cycling and walking paths – better connecting people in my community to work, education and each other.”
“My community has been fighting to see this dangerous and congested level crossing removed, and after years of delay and excuses under the former Liberal Government, we are listening, acting and putting people first.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020