Sunbury level crossing to be removed years ahead of schedule
Sunbury rail line commuters are set to breathe a sigh of relief after the State Government revealed plans to remove another choke point level crossing.
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Work to remove Sunbury’s congested Gap Rd level crossing is slated to begin next year — years ahead of schedule.
Initially earmarked for removal by 2025, the State Government announced on Monday the project to remove the level crossing at the intersection of Station St and Gap Rd had been brought forward and was now expected to be completed by late 2022.
Minister for Transport Jacinta Allan said the project, to be delivered alongside the $2.1 billion Sunbury line upgrade, would create jobs.
The crossing will be the fourth level crossing removed on the Sunbury line and the government announced it would pursue a rail under road design to preserve Sunbury’s heritage listed train station.
“This notorious level crossing has been leaving Sunbury residents stranded in traffic for far too long, these works will be a congestion buster for the local community,” she said.
Members of the public have until November 29 to provide feedback on the crossing’s design and landscaping.
About 19,000 cars pass through the Gap Rd level crossing each day, and that number is expected to reach 27,000 as more people move to the area, according to government figures.
Sunbury MP Josh Bull said the level crossing removal and station upgrade, which will include platform extensions, train stabling modifications, and track and power upgrades to allow bigger trains to pass through the station, would make for an easier commute for public transport users and motorists.
“We’re delivering both of these transport projects together to reduce disruption to our community,” he said.
The State Government and Hume Council will also team up to build 300 additional commuter carparks at the station.
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