Major works are underway to remove a level crossing and build a new road bridge over the Sunbury line, forming part of preparations for the Metro Tunnel opening in Victoria.
Crews have started piling works to build the foundations of the new road bridge. The first stage of a temporary road will also be built alongside Calder Park Drive to help reduce disruptions and allow locals to safely move through the area during construction.
The project will contribute to making the Sunbury Line level crossing free by 2025, with other works also set for level crossing removals at Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road in Diggers Rest. These LXR projects will help to reduce congestion and preparing the line to allow more trains to run more often when the Metro Tunnel opens.
The works will also increase the efficiency of the network at peak times for the 10,000 drivers who pass through the connection daily, as well as the 25 trains per hour that pass through. Currently the boom gates are down for up to 20 per cent of the morning peak.
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The Metro Tunnel is set to allow 113,000 extra peak hour passengers each week along the Sunbury Line, when works are completed in 2025.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said the works would help to increase the safety of the connection for the community.
“With four level crossing already gone for good and another four set for removal, we’re getting on with making the Sunbury line level crossing free, so we can provide more trains more often for these booming communities when the Metro Tunnel opens a year ahead of schedule in 2025,” she said.