The Victorian Government has released the final designs for the removal of the Ruthven Street level crossing in Macleod, which will be replaced with a new rail bridge in.
The State Government has called the level crossing dangerous and congested, and aims to make journeys along the route safer and faster for motoris.
Early work on the project has already started, and aims to reduce boom gate down time by 30 minutes during the morning peak, while also cutting travel times for roughly 12,600 drivers each weekday.
The final designs for this removal have been shaped by community feedback which aims to create safer connections for locals – including the installation of traffic loops which will trigger traffic lights along Ruthven Street.
The final designs for the rail bridge set to replace this level crossing were also shaped by community feedback.
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The bridge will connect Rosanna Parklands with Ellesmere Parade and Ruthven Street, and feature native plants and seating.
Additionally, a new walking and cycling path will be built along Ellesmere Parade, connecting Macleod and Rosanna. More than 25,000 trees, native shrubs, flowering plants, and grasses will be planted across the project area.
Major construction on the rail bridge will begin later this year, with trains expected to run on it from next year.
Passengers are set to benefit from extra services on the Hurstbridge Line with trains every 20 minutes to Eltham every weekend, and services running every 10 minutes on average between the Melbourne Central Business District and Clifton Hill.
“Thanks to everyone who had their say on the early designs, with more than 400 pieces of feedback from the community helping to shape these final designs,” said Anthony Carbines, State Member for Ivanhoe.
The State Government aims to make Macleod level crossing free in 2027, to improve safety, reduce congestion and deliver more reliable travel times, building on the benefits delivered by the nearby North East Link Project.
The final designs can be viewed here.
