Upfield level crossing removal to make way for skyrail, angers locals
PLANS to elevate the rail line through Coburg has residents rallying against the sky high proposal, saying the neighbourhood’s heritage is at risk.
North West
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ELEVATED rail along the Upfield line will create a concrete eyesore, residents warn.
The State Government has announced it will remove crossings at Munro and Reynard streets if its re-elected in November, joining removals at Bell St and Moreland Rd to be abolished by 2022.
Rail over road is the preferred method for the almost 2km stretch of rail.
Initially, the rail would have returned to the surface between crossings and risen again.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan told the Leader the decision to go over road would allow for more space underneath.
She said an underpass was not chosen because “significant” sewerage and water pipes would need to be relocated and a trench would have divided the community.
The extra crossings were added to the removal program because it was ahead of schedule.
“Removing all four in one package means more space,” Ms Allan said.
“People want to see more bike and walking paths.”
But Vanessa Birch, who lives near Moreland station, said she was devastated with the decision to use elevated rail.
Ms Birch said she was concerned about the heritage overlay on her neighbourhood and the station.
“All my neighbours say they don’t want it,” she said.
“I fail to understand how it’s going to reflect the heritage of the area, it’s disgusting.”
A community group opposed to skyrail on the Upfield line met on Saturday to plan their strategy against the decision.
Group member Zarn Takiari said the inclusion of the Reynard St crossing was not part of any previous plans used in consultation.
Pascoe Vale state Labor MP Lizzie Blandthorn said consultation would continue “the whole way” through the project.
Pascoe Vale candidate Oscar Yildiz said he had door knocked residents in Coburg and received an overwhelmingly negative reaction to skyrail.
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