Surrey Hills and Mont Albert level crossing removal works worry traders

Protestors have shouted at the Transport MP Jacinta Allan, accusing the state government of lies as the Union Rd level crossing removal works start.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan announced the start of level crossing removal works at Surrey Hills and Mont Alvert. Picture: David Geraghty

A group of angry residents and traders protesting a controversial level crossing removal have confronted deputy Premier Jacinta Allan after her press conference on Monday.

The Transport Infrastructure Minister was in Surrey Hills to announce major works had started with the removal of the boom gates at the Union Rd and Mont Albert Rd level crossings.

Workers will dig a 1.3km rail trench to replace the level crossings, and build a new Union Station to replace two existing stations.

Two women were killed at Union Rd in 2016 after the car they were in was struck by a train. Authorities also believe there have been at least eight near misses at the crossings since 2005.

Ms Allan said the Andrews government had fast-tracked the removal of the Surrey Hills “death traps”.

“We are celebrating the removal of these boom gates, which had a horrific safety record and posed a significant safety risk to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who use them every day,” she said.

But local traders said they feared their businesses would go bankrupt because of the disruptions and road closures during construction of the project.

The small group of protesters stood just metres away from Ms Allan’s media conference, holding signs that read: “Save our shopping villages”.

As Ms Allan left the press conference, one protester shouted: “Jump in the car, that’s the way.”

“Please talk to us. Show us courtesy and respect,” another said.

One woman added: “We want solutions. Please meet with us. We’re sick of being lied to.”

When asked if she would meet with concerned locals, Ms Allan said she met with traders in the area prior to the media conference on Monday as well as at other previous site visits.

“I know the hardworking local member Paul Hamer has met on a number of occasions with local residents,” she added.

“I do acknowledge that some people oppose level crossing removals. Many of them are Liberal.

“We’ve seen over time the Liberal Party continue to oppose the removal of dangerous and congested level crossings.

“We take a different approach. The Andrews Labor government will continue to deliver on its commitments that it made to the Victorian community.”

Local bakery owner David Winter said he was dipping into his superannuation just to keep his business alive.

Mr Winter said he noticed a “huge downturn” in business 18 months ago.

“I have no allegiance to any political party. I’m not against this project,” he said.

“I’m against the way that the traders are going to be wiped out. There’s no compensation under an act of Parliament. That’s appalling from the Andrews government.”