Railway shutdowns avoided during election campaign, with potential cost to taxpayers
Level crossing removal workers were spurred to delay works until after the election, despite the potential extra cost to taxpayers.
State Election
Don't miss out on the headlines from State Election. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Builders on Melbourne’s level crossing removals projects were quietly encouraged to shelve plans to shut down rail lines this month, despite a potential extra cost to taxpayers.
November is traditionally a busy time for rail occupations, with buses replacing trains so that major works for grade separations can occur.
But no Melbourne rail lines have shut this month.
Transport sector insiders say the shift in closure schedules was to avoid passengers being shunted on to buses during a pre-election period.
In regional areas major works continue, with coaches replacing trains between Geelong and Warrnambool all month.
But metropolitan works on the Upfield, Belgrave and Lilydale lines are not scheduled to begin until November 27 – the day after the election.
Spring and summer are the busiest periods for road and railway construction as warmer weather and longer days typically allow for easier building conditions.
In November last year, almost every major railway line in Melbourne was closed at some period for construction works.
Metropolitan shutdowns have also taken place consistently every month this year.
But when contractors put forward a schedule of work that coincided with the state election campaign they were discretely asked to push their plans to later in the year.
Builders were instead asked to find ways to continue on with work without creating large-scale disruptions.
One source familiar with the project said it was common knowledge that the government had wanted to prevent extra delays affecting commuters while the state campaign was underway.
But they said forcing the builders to adjust their work schedules and delay work meant they were going to the government seeking compensation.
“There is so much work happening in Melbourne that you have very tight windows for scheduling subcontractors or ordering materials,” they said.
“Occupying railway lines is a costly exercise but so is delaying your contracted programs.
“Claims submitted to LXRA would be in the millions.”
Its understood no claims for costs are currently lodged with the LXRA.
A major disruption of St Kilda Rd trams, for Metro Tunnel works, will also kick off the day after polling day.
Buses will replace trams starting from the Arts Precinct from November 27 to December 17.
The Andrews government has removed 67 level crossings since coming into power and plans to remove 110 by the end of the decade.
This has created a massive pipeline of work but also added to cost pressures on labour and materials being felt across Australia’s east coast.
Top scientist to drive state’s clean energy push
The Victorian government has revealed its expert panel appointed to resurrect the state electricity commission months after the election.
Liberals win last seat in Victorian election
The Liberal Party has finally claimed the electorate of Narracan two months after the state election, bringing the Coalition to one more seat than it held after 2018.