Additional level crossing removals for Melbourne

Two Werribee CBD locations and Hoppers Crossing have been announced as the next level crossing removal sites in Melbourne.

Treasurer Tim Pallas announced the designs to remove boom gates at three locations along the Werribee line.

Werribee Street and Cherry Street in Werribee, alongside Old Geelong Road in Hoppers Crossing will have removed level crossings by 2022.

This announcement means there will be no level crossings on the Metro lines in Wyndham.

Treasurer and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas said, the plan was a real win for the local community. The government is fast-tracking the Hoppers Crossing project so all three level crossing removals on the Werribee line will be completed at the same time.

“Just like the 29 level crossings we’ve already removed across Melbourne, these three sites at Werribee and Hoppers Crossing cause nothing but frustration and anxiety – they have to go.”

Construction is expected to begin next year after geotechnical and engineering investigations found there were two feasible designs to remove the crossing at each of the three locations.

At Old Geelong road there will be a new road bridge over the rail line east of the existing crossing.

Cherry Street will see a new road bridge built east of the existing crossing, linking Tarneit Road to the Princes Highway.

The prefered design for Werribee Street will be to elevate the Werribee line over the road. This design will complement Wyndham City Council’s multi-million dollar improvements at Wyndham Park.

The government estimates close to 60,000 vehicles and several bus routes use the three level crossings each day. There are also about 140 Metro services daily on the Werribee Line not including lengthy freight services.

The project will hold two community drop-in sessions around Werribee and Hoppers Crossing with information about the project on display. People can also view designs online.