Designs revealed for Level Crossing Removal Projects in Melbourne's East

Designs revealed for Level Crossing Removal Projects in Melbourne’s East

Designs revealed for Ringwood Level Crossing Removal Projects — Early concept designs for Dublin Road. Image: Victorian Government.

Early concept designs have been released ahead of level crossing removals in Ringwood and Ringwood East, in Melbourne.

The Dublin Road, Ringwood East level crossing will be removed by building a 650-metre-long rail trench, with trains to travel under the road. A brand-new Ringwood East Station will also be built, featuring a forecourt with direct access to shops and bus connections.

The station will include new lifts, stairs, lighting, upgraded pedestrian and cycling paths in the area, as well as 460 commuter car parks.

The Dublin Road works follow the unveiling of concept designs for the dangerous and congested Bedford Road, Ringwood level crossing removal earlier this year, which will also be replaced with a rail trench.

Following community consultation for the Bedford Road level crossing removal, a new shared use path has been included in the design. The new path will connect the 19.2-kilometre Heathmont Rail Trail to Bedford Park alongside the Belgrave Line, removing the need to travel on-road via Lena Grove, and improving walking and cycling options in the area.

Removing the Bedford Road crossing will ensure the Belgrave Line is level crossing free between Ferntree Gully and the city.

Around 23,000 vehicles use the Dublin Road and Bedford Road level crossings each day, with the boom gates down for up to 23 minutes of the morning peak at each location, causing delays and congestion.

The Dublin Road level crossing is just one of five remaining level crossings on the Lilydale Line – all of which will be gone by 2025 – making the line level crossing free and paving the way for more services, more often.

About 23,000 vehicles use the Dublin Road and Bedford Road level crossings each day, with the boom gates down for up to 23 minutes of the morning peak at each location, causing delays and congestion.

The proximity of these crossings to each other means many drivers currently get caught at both of them multiple times each day.

Site investigations will continue at Dublin Road throughout 2022, with major construction to start in 2023, while early works at Bedford Road will start later this year. The boom gates at both locations will be removed in 2025.

The Victorian Government is removing 85 level crossings by 2025 – with 59 already gone for good.

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