Work is about to start on the Gap Road level crossing removal, to free up Sunbury’s worst traffic bottleneck two years earlier than first planned.
In early July, digging will begin alongside Gap Road and Station Street as they relocate underground services and remove a small number of trees before major construction on the new road underpass starts later this year.
Detailed design work continues on the project, but traffic changes will be needed on Gap Road to keep workers and road users safe until major construction is complete in 2022.
From 5 July, one westbound traffic lane will be closed on Gap Road/Station Street between Horne and Evans streets, with the other lane remaining open. The westbound bike lane and pedestrian path will also be closed, with detours in place.
In the coming months one lane will also be closed eastbound on Gap Road/Station Street, with one traffic lane remaining open and detours for cyclists and pedestrians.
The Gap Road level crossing will be replaced two years early, with a new rail bridge and a road underpass on Gap Road/Station Street between Horne Street and Evans Street, including a shared path on both sides to provide a safe connection for pedestrians and cyclists.
The road under rail design will ensure the heritage-listed Sunbury Station is preserved and have the least impact on rail services during construction, although there will still be some disruption at times.
The Gap Road level crossing is Sunbury’s worst traffic bottleneck, with the boom gates down for up to 26 per cent of the morning peak. About 19,000 vehicles pass through the crossing each day, expected to rise to 27,000 by 2026.
The project is part of the Sunbury Line Upgrade, which will prepare the line for bigger, more modern trains that will run when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025 – giving passengers access to five new stations in Melbourne’s CBD, Arden, Parkville and St Kilda Road.
Buses will replace trains along the Sunbury Line from 9.00pm Friday 2 July to Thursday 8 July for 24-hour works on the upgrade, including installation of new overhead power line structures and platform upgrades.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“These works will clear the road of underground services to prepare for major the construction ahead, and minimise the time it takes to build the rail overpass and remove this dangerous level crossing.
“We’re working to reduce the overall disruption and keep traffic moving through Sunbury as much as possible. Please allow extra time when travelling through the area while work is underway.”
As stated by Member for Sunbury Josh Bull
“We’ve been waiting for the day this dangerous level crossing is gone for good – once completed, we will enjoy the benefits of a free-flowing intersection with safer connections for pedestrians and cyclists.”
