The Andrews Labor Government will get on with removing two dangerous and congested level crossings in Surrey Hills and Mont Albert.
Every Victorian has their own story of level crossing frustration on our roads and rail lines. For many, they’re more than a frustration – they’re the scene of a serious injury or, tragically, the place where a loved one was lost forever.
This local community knows that the Labor Government can remove level crossings – with Blackburn Road removed in May last year.
The Government will remove the Mont Albert Road and notorious Union Road level crossings, making the Belgrave/Lilydale line crossing-free between Ringwood and the City – with two new stations also to be delivered as part of the project.
Around 22,000 vehicles currently travel through these two crossings each day, with that set to grow to more than 26,000 by 2026.
As well as causing congestion delay, the level crossings in Surrey Hills and Mont Albert are deadly. There have been two serious collisions since 2005 – including a tragic incident in 2016 when two people died at Union Road in a collision with a train, in addition to eight recent near misses.
Preliminary advice from expert engineers is that the preferred design is rail under road, subject to further detailed engineering work and community consultation.
The Belgrave/Lilydale line is the second busiest line in Melbourne – removing these level crossings will see faster express trains and less delays and cancellations. The Government has already removed 4 level crossings on the Belgrave/Lilydale line, with work underway at Manchester Road, Mooroolbark and Maroondah Highway, Lilydale.
These local communities will also benefit from the Suburban Rail Loop which will connect every major train line, with up to 12 new underground stations.
As noted by Premier Daniel Andrews
“No Government has ever removed this many level crossings so quickly. We’re reducing congestion, saving lives and creating thousands of jobs along the way – and we’re just getting started.”
“These level crossings are dangerous – we said we would remove them, and we will.”
