Hove level crossing removal project to save motorists up to six minutes, State Government says

Commuters will reach their destination six minutes faster once the Hove level crossing is removed, the State Government says.

Motorists will save up to six minutes a day in travel time during morning and afternoon peak hours when the Hove level crossing has been removed, the State Government says.

Government figures show the boom gates at the Brighton Rd crossing are down for about 12 minutes during peak periods, with closure times ranging from 50 seconds to almost three minutes.

It says removing the level crossing will improve travel time reliability by eliminating the chance of getting stopped by a passing train, enabling commuters to save up to three minutes in each direction, or six minutes in total, during peak hours.

Almost 35,000 vehicles use the level crossing section of Brighton Rd daily.

The Government is considering two design options for removing the level crossing and is expected to announce its decision in the coming weeks.

The options are raising the rail line over Brighton Rd, at a cost of $295 million, or lowering the rail line under Brighton Rd, at a cost of $450 million.

Two other options – raising Brighton Rd over the rail line or lowering the road under the line – were scrapped earlier this year.

Local residents and the council have been lobbying for the $450 million “rail under” option, saying the “rail over” option, with its 1.4km bridge, would be an eyesore and would divide the community.

The Hove rail crossing. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Transport Minister Corey Wingard on Sunday said the Hove project would ease congestion and improve safety.

“This project will give back up to an extra half an hour a week to the tens of thousands of people who use this road on a daily basis,” he said.

“This will not only improve productivity but allow people to spend more quality time with their family.”

Mr Wingard said the project would also establish open space with new cycling and walking paths and would create 375 full time equivalent jobs each year during construction.

He said the Government would continue to consult with the community before making its final decision on which design option would proceed.

Black MP David Speirs said residents in Marino, Seacliff and Seaview Downs “continually tell me that they want to see better traffic flow along Brighton Rd”.

“They support a solution that removes this dangerous and inefficient railway crossing and I am delighted the Marshall Liberal Government is committed to this major piece of infrastructure,” he said.

The State Government and Federal Government have committed $171 million towards the project.