Level crossing over Surf Coast Highway to be gone by 2024, state government says

The go-slow morning peak between the Surf Coast and Geelong could change when a 10-metre-high bridge over the road is built.

More than 30,000 cars are likely to pass under a rail bridge to be built over the Surf Coast Highway when it is complete by 2024.

Concept images of the Surf Coast Highway level crossing removal at Grovedale show a rail bridge will be built over the road about 20m closer to Baanip Boulevard from where the level crossing currently is.

The rail bridge is likely to be about 10m high and about 150m long.

About 50 concrete piles will be needed to build the bridge which will be supported by 16 beams.

Boom gates are down at the Surf Coast Highway, Grovedale about 22 per cent of the morning peak and 15 per cent of the evening peak, according to the state government.

Meanwhile as part of the duplication of the Geelong line between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds, Marshall station will be redeveloped.

Concept images of the redevelopment show an enclosed passenger waiting room, a second platform and track, an accessible pedestrian overpass, a forecourt and a bus interchange off Marshalltown Rd.

Another entrance to the station will be built at Drews Rd to connect to 200 car parking spaces that will be added at the station.

Major construction for the duplication of the Geelong line between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds station will begin late this year and is due to be completed in 2024.

As part of the work more than five kilometres of walking and cycling path will be built to create a continuous connection between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds.

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said the level cross removal would improve safety.

“Removing this dangerous and congested level crossing (at the Surf Coast Highway) will improve journeys for motorists and train passengers – delivering much-needed additional services to support the growing communities of Waurn Ponds and Armstrong Creek,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“We’re ensuring more frequent, reliable train services for the thousands of passengers that use the Geelong line every day.”

“We encourage the local community to provide feedback to help shape the final designs as we get on with

removing this dangerous and congested level crossing.”

South Barwon Liberal candidate Andrew Katos said the progress of the duplication of the line was too slow.

“It is a sad state of affairs that more than 4 years after promising the Waurn Ponds Rail Duplication and the grade separation of the Surf Coast Highway all that Daniel Andrews and Darren Cheeseman have to show for it is a set of pretty pictures,” Mr Katos said in a statement.

“Labor promised to have the rail line duplicated, stations upgraded and grade separations

completed by 2023, yet virtually nothing has been done.

“The artists impression of the Surf Coast Highway grade separation is cynically being put out for public comment to deceive voters into thinking that this is some kind of new announcement 10 weeks out from an election.

“Daniel Andrews is spending tens of billions of dollars on road and rail projects in Melbourne and desperately needed Geelong infrastructure is simply getting the crumbs that fall off the table.

“Unlike Labor, the Liberal/Nationals have a 25% regional infrastructure guarantee which will see Geelong and regional Victoria get its fair share of infrastructure spending.”

Feedback on the concept designs can be provided until October 9 at ngage.bigbuild.vic.gov.au.

Originally published as Level crossing over Surf Coast Highway to be gone by 2024, state government says