Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews announces Labor will sink the rail line at Aviation Rd, Laverton if elected

LABOR Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews has promised to remove a notorious Laverton level crossing if elected in November.

The boomgates are down at a crossing near Aircraft train station 40 minutes out of the hour between 4 and 5pm due to the volume of trains going through the station. THis cause long delays for cars. Picture: Richard Serong

LABOR Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews has promised to remove a notorious Laverton level crossing if elected in November.

But while Aviation Rd traders welcomed the news, there was concern the crossing removal would mean traffic bypassed the shopping strip.

A 2012 Hobsons Bay Council survey found motorists were getting stuck at the boom gates for 40 minutes at the morning peak hour and for 31.5 minutes at the afternoon peak hour.

Kyla’s Cafe owner Kellie Ruff said traffic was banked from the tracks to the freeway whenever the boom gates were down.

“And that happens every 10 minutes,’’ she said.

“As long as they don’t build something that’s going to bypass the street. The street is dealing with enough as it is.’’

Mr Andrews, who made the announcement on site last Wednesday, said details of the crossing removal were yet to be worked out.

“Our best minds will work on this. We will work on the best solution and there will be opportunity for the community and the traders and others to be involved in the planning of it.’’ Labor Leader Daniel Andrews.

Hobsons Bay councillor Colleen Gates said Laverton residents had lobbied many years for the removal of the crossing.

“It is pleasing to see its profile raised on the State Government election agenda,’’ she said. “Removal of the level crossing would significantly improve north-south access and reduce the divisiveness that the rail line imposes on Laverton residents and traders.”

The Opposition has also promised to remove level crossings at Kororoit Creek Rd and Ferguson St, Williamstown North.