The Victorian Government has removed sixty-six dangerous and congested level crossings, with traffic now flowing on a new road underpass at Deer Park, in Melbourne.
The project at Robinsons Road aimed to reduce travel times, improved safety and traffic flow, and created better local connections for pedestrians and cyclists. The level crossing was removed months ahead of schedule, following major works starting in early 2021.
During the project, crews excavated more than 60,000 cubic metres of rock and soil to build the new road underpass and rail bridge, and installed 430 tonnes of steel, and seven bridge beams weighing 80 tonnes each.
The opening of Robinsons Road comes only weeks after the removal of the level crossing on Fitzgerald Road in Ardeer. Over the coming months, works will continue to ramp up at the nearby Mt Derrimut Road level crossing removal, with the project on track to be completed by 2024.
Across the three level crossing sites, there have been 18 near misses since 2012.
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, the State Government is investing more than $27 billion in roads and rail infrastructure in Melbourne’s west and northwest, including 15 level crossing removals.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said the level crossing removal at Robinson Road will improve travel and better connect the community.
“Another level crossing is now gone in Melbourne’s booming west, months ahead of schedule improving safety and reliability whether you’re travelling by foot, road or rail,” Allan said.
The Government is removing 85 level crossings across Melbourne by 2025, with 66 now gone for good.
Related stories:
- Designs released for Keon Parade level crossing removal
- Ringwood one step closer to being level crossing free
- Another level crossing gone in Melbourne’s west