The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with removing two dangerous and congested level crossings in Melbourne’s east – with a huge milestone as Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert and Union Road, Surrey Hills reopened to traffic and pedestrians on Saturday morning.
Construction crews have been working around the clock since February to remove the level crossings by digging a 1.3-kilometre rail trench and building a brand-new Union Station.
During the works, 37 massive beams have been lifted into place to form roads over the new rail trench at both Union and Mont Albert roads.
Tragically, two women died at Union Road in 2016 when their car was struck by a train, and there have been a combined eight near misses at both level crossings in the past 10 years.
The boom gates were down up to 40 per cent of the morning peak, when 61 trains passed through every weekday, but are now gone for good. Removing the level crossings will make the roads safer for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians travelling through Surrey Hills and Mont Albert.
Train services are targeted to return to the Lilydale and Belgrave lines next week – and from Sunday 28 May, a new timetable will be rolled out with an additional three services stopping at Union Station in the morning and afternoon peaks on weekdays.
The Lilydale line will also be one step closer to being boom gate-free in 2025, with works also underway to get rid of another four dangerous and congested level crossings on the line.
Across Melbourne, 110 level crossings will be removed by 2030, with 68 already gone for good, boosting safety and easing congestion.
As stated by Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“We are on the home stretch to removing these two dangerous and congested level crossings in Surrey Hills and Mont Albert forever, and reopening these roads means we’re one step closer to getting trains back on the line and opening the brand-new Union Station.”
“We thank the community for their patience during these works, which are helping to make the Lilydale Line level crossing free and changing the way people live, work and travel.”
As stated by Member for Box Hill Paul Hamer
“Our community now has access to the two boom gate-free roads, which will make travel in the area easier for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, transforming the way people get around Mont Albert and Surrey Hills.”
