Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley has called on the Victorian Government to urgently deliver a genuine alternative direct and safe pedestrian and cyclist access link, following the closure of the Mordialloc Stabling Yard underpass by the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP).
Kingston City Council is extremely disappointed by the underpass closure, which has removed a vital link between key Mordialloc precincts and forced a significant detour.
"Council supports the long-term benefits of the Level Crossing Removal Project, but major infrastructure must not come at the cost of essential community connections," Mayor Oxley said.
"We've been raising this issue for more than 12 months and while we remain open to collaboration with LXRP and the Victorian Government, we need urgent action. The alternative 800m route through local streets is simply not a genuine permanent solution. The community needs a direct and safe alternative."
A detailed pedestrian survey conducted by Council confirmed the underpass was a critical corridor used by more than 1,000 people on weekdays and 1,500 people on weekends.
Deputy Mayor Chris Howe said LXRP's proposed alternative — an 800-metre detour via Main Street, Albert Street and Park Street — is not acceptable.
"An 800-metre detour is a major inconvenience that will significantly affect thousands of students, families, commuters and visitors who rely on this connection every week," Cr Howe said.
"To close this underpass without providing a safe, direct and workable solution will have a huge impact on the thousands of students, pedestrians and cyclists that currently use the underpass each week," Cr Howe said.
"Council has been clear from the outset: we need a practical, permanent solution that protects safety and supports accessibility for our community."
While the LXRP has stated the underpass sits outside its scope, Council is urging the Victorian Government to take responsibility and deliver a suitable long-term solution that restores connectivity and protects public access in Mordialloc.
