Camp Rd level crossing removal works don’t go far enough, say Hume Council
LEVEL crossing removal works to future-proof a Campbellfield station aren’t being dug wide enough to fit platforms, Hume Council fears.
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LEVEL-crossing removal works to futureproof a Campbellfield station should be dug wide enough to fit the train platforms, Hume Council says.
The Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) claims leaving space for the platforms won’t be needed until there’s a commitment to build the station.
But Cr Naim Kurt said with construction equipment already at the site it would make economic sense.
“If the work is not completed at the right grade now, a section of track would need to be dug up again at a later stage,” Cr Kurt said.
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“I think this is a disappointing outcome, as it will add to the costs of a future train station and is not properly addressing the future needs of our community.”
The Camp Rd level crossing is being removed by lowering the rail line into a trench under the road. It will be finished by early 2018.
Futureproofing is part of the design to allow for a second track on the Upfield line between Gowrie and Upfield stations, widening of Camp Rd, a station at Campbellfield and the Upfield bicycle path extension.
A Campbellfield station, which would be included on the Upfield line, was identified in the Greater Broadmeadows Framework Plan prepared by the council and Victorian Planning Authority. It’s anticipated a Campbellfield station will be required in 15-20 years.
Cr Kurt said the area was undergoing a boom in population and employment.
Public Transport Users Association president Tony Morton said a Campbellfield stop needed to be a priority on the Upfield line.
Mr Morton said the station would be a better interchange than Camp Rd for the 902 buses from Broadmeadows to Coburg.
LXRA project director Michael Caink said: “We are ensuring what we build allows for future enhancements to benefit the Campbellfield community.”
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