Plan for $450m Hove level crossing scrapped in State Budget

Opponents of the controversial Brighton Road plan have welcomed its demise but say the government’s rethink must now go much further.

The controversial plan to build a $450m level crossing at Hove to ease congestion on Brighton Road has been scrapped in the State Budget.

Treasurer Rob Lucas said originally the project was estimated to cost $170m but the two most favoured options involved significant cost blowouts.

Costings for a rail line going under Brighton Road were $440-$450m, while it was estimated to cost $290m for a rail-over option.

“I’ve taken into account the community opposition and the cost,” Mr Lucas said.

Mr Lucas said the Federal Government has made it clear that it was not willing to fund the additional cost of the $440-$450m option.

About 50 properties were likely to be acquired if the project proceeded.

Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson said it was great the State Government had made a decision on the level crossing and that the issue could now be put to bed.

“Council is very happy with the decision and the certainty it provides for the residents,” she said.

“There now needs to be a full analysis and a masterplan created for Brighton Road.”

Residents protesting the now-scrapped Hove level crossing project. Picture: Dixie Sulda

The level crossing on Brighton Rd at Hove. Plans for an upgrade at the site have been scrapped.

Jane Fleming, from the Train under|Save our homes|No Hove bridge community group, said the project has caused a massive amount of anxiety within the community – from people faced with the prospect of losing their homes, to others worried about privacy issues if the rail-over option was chosen, and also concerns about potential anti-social behaviour under any new bridge.

“This is absolutely a massive sigh of relief,” she said.

“It’s a great victory and I’d encourage people to speak up when they see a major issue in their community. It (the decision on the level crossing) goes to show that if you work together, you can achieve what’s right for the community.”

Ms Fleming said while the news was very welcome, it was a shame some Housing SA residents has already been moved on to make way for the project.

“Hopefully they will be given the option to move back if they want,” she said.

Lynn Townsend has lived in the Hove area for 40 years and faced losing her rental property if the project went ahead.

“I can’t tell you how relieved I am (at the decision),” she said.

“The whole thing just seemed like such a shambles. But it’s pleasing to see that the government has actually listened to the people.”