Wait continues for removal of Glenroy Rd crossing after method chosen

Rail will go under road at the infamous Glenroy Rd level crossing, but the community is still waiting on a date to start the removal that was first touted six years ago.

Traffic continues to be held up at the Glenroy Rd crossing. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Community members have backed a decision to create a rail trench to remove the Glenroy Rd level crossing but have urged the Level Crossing Removal Project to get on with the job.

The decision was announced on Tuesday, after removal of the crossing was first flagged in 2013.

The current Glenroy train station will also be rebuilt.

Moving the rail below the road was decided on in part because it would not result in any homes being compulsory acquired.

A petition started by Amie Brennan last month asking the State Government to move works forward, as reported by the Leader, has gathered more than 1300 signatures.

Boomgates are down at the crossing for more than 40 per cent of morning peak.

Ms Brennan said she was pleased with the rail under road choice as it would allow for the ground level space to be reworked, but was concerned there was no update on when the removal would take place.

“Why is it they can decide to build a skyrail down Frankston way and have that up and running within two years?” she said.

“2016 it’s been on the list (since) and it’s still another three years away.”

Then Moreland Mayor Oscar Yildiz protests for action at the crossing in 2013

There is no date set for works to begin but the government has promised the crossing would be gone by 2022.

Reader Daniela Romano said the removal had to be a priority.

“Seriously, just get it done stop wasting time with the job,” she wrote on the Moreland Leader Facebook page.

Leah Jones said she just wanted the crossing removed “sooner rather than later”.

The Glenroy Rd boom gates on average are down for 43 per cent of the morning peak hour and about 19,000 vehicles use the crossing each day.

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Pascoe Vale Labor MP Lizzie Blandthorn said she was delighted the project was moving forward.

Moreland Mayor Natalie Abboud urged the LXRP to undertake extensive consultation with the community to shape designs.

The LXRP is continuing with technical investigations at the site and will undertake consultation later this year.