The level crossing removal at Fitzgerald Road in Ardeer has been completed, with traffic now flowing across a new 70-metre road bridge.
The bridge, opened six months ahead of schedule, will reduce travel time, improve safety and create better local connections for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
“We’re delighted to see the new road bridge at Fitzgerald Road open ahead of schedule – a real win for the community that will improve local connections and make the area safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists,” said Natalie Suleyman, Member for St Albans.
The completion means 65 level crossings have now been removed across Melbourne since 2015, well ahead of the original target of 50 by the end of 2022.
More than 71 million hours have been worked across the project, with around 5500 currently working on level crossing removals across many industries.
Another level crossing removal project in Melbourne’s west is also nearing completion, with the Robinsons Road underpass in Deer Park expected to open in September.
Together with the Mount Derrimut Road, Deer Park level crossing, there have been 18 near misses at the three locations since 2012. The boom gates at Mount Derrimut Road can be down for up to 60 per cent of the morning peak, while the boom gates at Fitzgerald and Robinsons Road can be down for up to 45 per cent.
When all three level crossings are gone for good by 2024, the Geelong and Ballarat lines will be level crossing free between Deer Park and the Melbourne CBD.
Sarah Connolly, Member for Tarneit, said: “We thank the community for their patience while these important works have been taking place in their area and thrilled to deliver these huge benefits for locals and visitors to the area.”
Jacinta Allan, Minister for Transport Infrastructure, said the Victorian Government was smashing its level crossing removals targets, as well as improving safety and easing congestion in Melbourne’s west.
“Removing the Fitzgerald Road and Robinsons Road level crossings ahead of schedule means safer local roads and safer train services for Geelong and Ballarat line passengers, Victoria’s fastest growing and busiest regional rail corridors,” she said.
For more information, visit: bigbuild.vic.gov.au
Related stories:
- Level Crossing Removal construction blitz in Melbourne’s southeast
- Level crossing removal to kick off major Sunbury works
- Four level crossings gone for good in Melbourne’s north