Glenroy’s level crossing could be left behind with Lizzie Blandthorn unable to commit to removal date

FEARS are growing that notorious level crossings in Melbourne’s northwest could be left without grade separations, with pollies admitting no date has been set for their removal.

Moreland councillor John Kavanagh at the Glenroy Rd level crossing. Picture: Josie Hayden

THREE Moreland rail-crossing removal projects have an unclear future as the state’s major political parties refuse to guarantee when they will be abolished.

The State Government recently announced the signing of contracts to remove 12 crossings across Melbourne. None are in Moreland.

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The construction consortium of John Holland and Kellogg Brown Root will have the first option to remove crossings at Glenroy Rd, Glenroy, Bell St, Coburg, and Moreland Rd, Brunswick, but only after they have completed projects at Campbellfield, Frankston, and Essendon to an acceptable standard, slated to finish in 2018.

Glenroy Rd level crossing is worst Redspot in Moreland

Labor has not committed to signing contracts for the Moreland crossings before the November 2018 state election, while the Liberals have given no guarantees beyond the election.

Opposition public transport spokesman David Hodgett promised the Liberal Party would honour the projects funded by Labor, but did not say whether his party would sign contracts if it won government.

Pascoe Vale state Labor MP Lizzie Blandthorn said the projects “will happen”, but was unable to say when.

“It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen,” Ms Blandthorn said.

Brunswick state Labor MP Jane Garrett did not respond before the Leader’s deadline.

Moreland North-West Ward councillor John Kavanagh called for certainty over the removals.

“I want to see shovels in the ground before the next election,” Cr Kavanagh said.

Glenroy’s Gibson Locksmiths manager Ken Cook said motorists often waited 15 minutes to cross.

“It’s like everything in Glenroy is always done last, it’s in a safe Labor seat (Pascoe Vale),” Mr Cook said.

Glenroy resident Kathleen Matthews-Ward said the community’s No. 1 hate was the level crossing.