The Allan Labor Government has removed its 87th dangerous and congested level crossing across Melbourne - delivering faster and safer journeys for thousands of local motorists.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams announced Calder Park is now level crossing free, after the opening of the Calder Park Drive bridge on Tuesday began taking motorists safely over the rail line.
The new road bridge will boost safety and cut congestion in Melbourne's growing north west by permanently separating trains from vehicles.
A 1990 Chevrolet Lumina NASCAR that raced at the neighbouring Calder Park Thunderdome was among the first to try out the new road bridge, along with an emergency vehicle from the local Brimbank SES.
Removing the Calder Park Drive level crossing will improve traffic flow in the area, allowing for the closure of the level crossing at nearby Holden Road, which will remain accessible via Plumpton Road.
More than 10,000 vehicles used these level crossings each day, facing
delays of up to 26 minutes when 25 trains travelled through the crossings in the morning peak.
Getting rid of these crossings avoids even longer boom gate down times when the Metro Tunnel opens this year, paving the way for more services on the Sunbury Line, and removes the risk of serious safety incidents, with three near misses at these sites since 2012.
In the coming months, crews will complete the road bridge's shared use path and landscaping works, planting more than 200 trees and 100,000 native and indigenous plants, shrubs and grasses throughout the area.
The Level Crossing Removal Project is removing 110 level crossings across Melbourne by 2030, with the entire Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines to become boom gate free by the end the year.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams
"With the Metro Tunnel opening later this year, the rail network is only going to get busier - getting rid of the Calder Park Drive and Holden Road level crossings will make journeys safer and more reliable for road and rail users."
As stated by Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins
"A level crossing-free Calder Park is great news for locals, cutting congestion and providing safer travel options through the area."
As stated by Member for Sunbury Josh Bull
"With these dangerous crossings gone for good, we're a step closer to a level crossing free Sunbury Line - paving the way for more trains and safer communities"
